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HISTORY OF 



HYDE COUNTY 



SOUTH DAKOTA 



FROM ITS ORGANIZATION TO THE PRESENT TIME 



BY JOHN B. PERKINS 



1908 





TO THE OLD SETTLERS OF HYDE COUNTY, 

WHO HAVE MADE ITS EARLY HISTORY. 

AND ALSO TO THE LATER SETTLERS AS WELL, 

WHO ARE AIDING IN MAKING ITS PRESENT HISTORY. 

THIS BOOK IS RESPECTFULLY 

DEDICATED 



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^ PREFACE 



^ The compiler of these pages came to Hyde County with his 

parents in the spring of 1884, then only a few months old, and 
lived here for several years, and after an absence in Iowa for a few 
years, returned here in 1905, so that he claims some distinction as 
an old settler, and feels that he has the authority of the public, and 
of all interested in the county, to prepare for them these pages, 
which constitute the history of the county up tothe present time. 
It is always well at certain periods of the ever onward passing of 
time to preserve records and incidents of the locaHty where one 
lives, for there are many things constituting its history, which, un- 
less preserved, will pass into oblivion. Our readers know that we 
are never looking for perfection in any department of hfe's labor, 
and in this history, if it is found that we have omitted something or 
have unintentionally erred in some statement, let the criticism be 
sparingly and charitably made. 



^ 



THE NAME 

Hyde County was named after James Hyde, who was one of 
the eadiest and most influential citizens of Clay County, South Da- 
kota. He died in VermilUon May 28, 1902, and at the time of his 
death the papers there gave him prominent mention. Among 
other things said of him we reprint the following fiom the Dakota 
Republican of April 2, 1902. 

"Last Friday morning the death angel visited a Vermillion 
home and removed from that home a kind husband and loving 
father, and removed from Vermillion circles a true neighbor and 
loyal friend. 

James Hyde was one of the 
pioneers of this county. He 
came to South Dakota at the 
close of the Civil War, and since 
his coming here he has been 
prominently and actively identi- 
fied with all the interests that 
went to make ud the material 
growth of this county. He was 
widely and favorably known, and 
all who had the good fortune to 
make his acquaintance came 
to know him as their friend. To 
his family he was the embodiuient 
of all that is implied in a kind 
and loving husband and father, 
and his death falls heavily upon the bereaved ones. But his earth- 
ly sufferings are over and he has gone to a brighter and better land. 

James Hvde was born on April 14, i8d2, at Mapleton, Penn. 



4 M 




JAMES HYDE 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 7 

When he was a lad of ei.s^ht years of age his parents moved to Iowa, 
where he lived until he was twenty years old. On May 23, 1862, he 
enlisted in Co. B, Second Battalion, Sixteenth U. S. Infantry, and 
saw a large amount of service during the war up to the time he was 
mustered out and received an honorable discharge at Lookout 
Mountain, May 24, 1865. Out of the three years he was in the ser- 
vice, he spent fourteen months in Southern prisons. He was con- 
fined in Libby prison for three months, and for eleven months he 
endured as best he could the horrors of Andersonville. When the 
war was over he came west and settled in South Dakota. In 1868 
he was married ro Miss Helen Miner, daughter of Captain Nelson 
Miner, who, with seven children, still survive him. 

Mr. Hyde was prominent in society circles. He held a mem- 
bership in Miner Post, No. 8, G. A. R., and in Dakota Pine Camp, 
No. 450, M. W. A. He was also prominent in Masonic circles, be- 
ing a member of the R. A. M. and A. F. & A. M. in this city, and 
also of Vermillion Commandery No. 16, Knights Templar." 

He represented Clay County in the Territorial Legislature of 
1872. We are indebted to his daughter, Mrs. Rosa E. Beebe, of 
Vermillion, S. D., for the kindly interest she has taken in furnishing 
material for the above mention. 



n 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY 

CHAPTER I 



Organization of the County 

Hyde County was organized in 1883. This was when there was 
only one Dakota and under a Territorial form of government, but 
soon after there was a division of the Territory, which resulted in 
the two states of North and South Dakota. The organization of 
the county was brought about upon presenting to Governor N. G. 
Ordway, the governor of the Territory, a petition setting forth that 
the county contained one hundred and fifty inhabitants, and asking 
that he proceed as an executive duty to organize the county. The 
law at that time provided that when such a petition was presented 
to the governor, he should act upon the same by appointing three 
commissioners, whose duty it would be to locate the county seat, 
and also to aDpoint the necessary officers to manage the county 
business. The law has since been changed, now providing thnt in- 
stead oi appointing commissioners, the governor issues a notice 
calling an election by the people of the county, and fixing the time 
for the same, at which election the electors choose their county of- 
ficers who hold until the next general election, and also at the same 
election, there is selected the location for the county seat. When 
the petition for organization was presented to the governor he 
acted upon it, and right there we drifted unexpectedly upon the 
shoals and quicksands of contending influences, brought about by 
county seat rivalries, and by the governor's own act, who manifest- 
ed a selfish interest in the organization itself. The governor had 
made some deal whereby he was to be benefited by the location of 
the county seat at Holabird, and to carry out that deal he was to 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



appoint as commissioners L. E. Whitcher, John Falde and A. E. 

VanCamp, giving the Holabird location two commissioners votes, 

for, as Mr. VanCamp was the owner of the Highmore townsite,his 

vote was not expected for Holabird, nor was it needed. At this 

stage of the proceedings it became known that the governor had 

changed his own views as to the county seat 1 cation, and was in 

favor of a site two miles east ot Holabird upon land belonging to 

J. S. Harris, and he expected that his appointees would carry out 

his wishes, but he soon learned 

that Mr. VanCamp and Mr. Falde 

would vote for Highmore, and 

thereby defeat the Harris scheme. 

Accordingly after the commission 

to the three men above named 

had been issued and placed in 

the post office at Bismark for 

transmission to Highmore, the 

governor revoked the commission 

to John Falde and appointed in 

his place Geo. W. Dunham, and 

upon that act a case was brought 

to settle the question as to 

which held legally the office ot 

commissioner, whether it was A. E. VANCAMP 

John Falde or Geo. W. Dunham, but the case never reached a 

hearing as a settlement of the mattei was had later on. 

In the meantime the conflict over this one commissioner re- 
sulted in two separate organizations, each having two commission- 
ers, that on the Ordway side being L. E. Whitcher and Geo. W. 
Dunham, and on the other side A. E. Van Camp and John Falde. 
The Ordway organization held their meetings on the west side of 
town at the office of E. O. Parker. Their first meeting was on the 
5th day of November, 1883, ^t which time L. E. Whitcher was 




10 HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 

elected chairman of the Board and J. S. Harris secretary pro tern, 
and thus organized, the following- named officers were elected by 
the Board: J. S. Harris, register of deeds; J. F. O'Donnell, Sup't 
of Schools; James H. Lynch, sheriff; O. C. Cole, county judge; W. 
W. Kingsbury, assessor; A. H. Everhard, treasurer; D. L. Cadwal- 
ader, surveyor; Peter Learn, coroner; and N. F Bates, John C. 
Stoner, Sr., and G. L. F. Robinson, Justices of the Peace. The 
Board fixed the amount of officers bonds, also voted to d^fer action 
on the county seat location until there was an expression by the 



•f 




* ■ :.5a 



RESIDENCE OF F. M. BARNES, HIGHMORE, S. D- 

people. At a meeting of this Board held Nov. 14, 1883, they took 
a fling at the other organization in the following resolution: 

"Whereas, one John Falde, of Hyde Coanty, S. D., has and at 
present is acting or purporting to act as a commissioner of Hyde 
County without having been dul/ commissioned or qualified ac- 
cording to law, and, whereas the said John Falde together with one 
A. E. VanCamp, a commissioner of said County of Hvde, have pro- 
ceeded to the organization of said county and the appointment (>f 
officers therefor, which said organization and appointments are 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



II 



bo^us and contrar\^ to law, and whereas; the further action of said 
parties in representing: themselves to be such authorized commis- 
sioners will be of great and lasting detriment to the said County of 
Hyde. 

Therefore Resolved, that the chairman of this Board, L. E. 
Whitcher, be instructed to procure proper counsel, and inaugurate 
the necessnrv legal proceedings 
to test the validity of their said 
claim, and enjoin their further 
proceedings." 

x\t this time there were two 
newspapers published in Hxde 
County, the Herald and the Yox 
Populi, both of which refused to 
publish the proceedings of this 
Ordway Board, so that at their 
meeting Dec. 25, 18S3, they 
authorized the clerk to post 
copies of the proceedings in three 
public places in the countw 

On May 5, 1884. Geo. W. Dun- 
ham resigned as count\' commis- JAMES BUCHAN 
sioneer, which left Mr. Wh tcher to run the thing alone until June 
13, 1884. ^vhen Wm. Fankboner was appomted in Mr. Dunham's 
place. This board continued its meeting until September 2, i88zl, 
which was the date of its last meeting, and on this same date, Sept. 
2nd, a settlement having been made between the two separate or- 
ganizations, the real legal commissioners met for the first time and 
organized. During the existence of the Ordway Board, they fixed 
the salaries of their officers, ordered supplies, established school 
and road districts, hxed the amount of liquor license, and indeed 
seemed to go on with the county business all right, except, we 
judge, must have been hampered for h..ances, as there is no ac- 




12 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



aj 



count of any money received by their treasurer, no report by him 
and no account of disbursements. 



THE OTHER 

Having in the preceeding, mentioned what we have designated 
as the "Ordway Board," we will now refer to the "Other" of this 




D. A. W. PERKINS 
double headed organization. This Board also met Nov. 5, 1883, on 
the east side of Highmore town. There were present as commis- 
sioners A. E. Van Camp and John Falde. Mr. Falde was elected 
chairman and D. A. W. Perkins, clerk pro tem. The following 
county officers were then elected by the commissioners: D. A. W. 
Perkins, clerk and register of deeds;Lincoln Davis, sheriff;]. T. Haight 
judge of probate; L. C. Hadley. treasurer; D. C. Cadwalader, sur- 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



13 



veyor; E. E. Christie, coroner; A. N. VanC'^mp, Sap't of Schools; 
N. M. Jacobson, assessor ;and G. L. F. Robinson, A. B. Coplin, Rob- 
ert Stewart, N. M. Jacobson, Justices of the Peace. The board 
then fixed the location of the county seat at Hi.o-hmore The bonds 
of officers were fixed, and afterwards filed and approved. At their 
meeting held Nov. 10. 1883, they took official notice of the Ordway 
organization in the following resolution: 

"Whereas, one L. E. Whitcher was, as we believe, appointed 
one of the commissioners of Hyde County, and who has habitually 
and wilfully neglected his duty as such commissioner, not having 
met with this Board at all, therefore 

Resolved, that the county clerk be authorized and instructed to 
take such legal proceedings in 
the name of the county for the 
removal of said Whitcher as the 
law provides, and to employ 
counsel in the prosecution of the 
case as may be required." 

Soon after the passage of this 
resolution the clerk reported that 
he had secured the services of 
Gamble Bros., of Yankton, as 
such counsel. 

This Board also established 
roads and school districts, pur- 
(^hased su|)plies, allowed bills and 
transacted the county business in 
a reiciilar way >.iid in about the 
same manner as the Ordway Board did. 

The\' also hxed the liquor license and under their administra- 
tion rhiee licenses were issued, which placed in the county treasury 
the sum of $327.81, which amout was counted out to the Board by 
Treasurer Hadley at their last meeting, thereby enabling the officers 




H C. SHOBER 



14 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



appointed by this Board some pay for their services, a privileg^e not 
in the power of the Ordway Board, for their treasury was empty. 
The last meetinpj of the commissioners of this organization was 
Sept. 2, 1884, the same date of the last meeting: of the Ordway 

commissioners and as the clerk 
has it in his minutes, "This 
wound up their earthly career." 
Both of these organizations hav- 
ing on that date retired from bus- 
iness and on both sides their ap- 
pointees to office having resigned, 
there was by this surrender of 
both organizations created the 
real legal organization of the 
county. 




J. C. STONER, SR. 



The Legal Organization 

Resignations having been made 
by all of the county officers ap- 
pointed by the two sepaiate or- 
ganizations heretofore m e n - 
tioned, this cleared the way for the two legal commissioners. L. E. 
Whitcher and A. E. VanCamp, to come together and form the new 
Board, whose legality as the Board of Commissioners of Hyde 
County could not be questioned. Accordingly they met on the 2nd 
day of September, 1884. L. E. Whitcher was chosen as chairman 
and E. O. Parker as clerk. They being fully organized appointed 
the following county officers; E. O. Parker, register of deeds; 
Charles H. Price, probate judge; John F. Goudy, treasurer; B. D. 
Foster, coroner; D. L. Cadwalader, surveyor; Charles P. Jones, 
sheriff; Cora M. Shober, Sup't of Schools; Charles S. McGill, 
assessor, G. L. F. Robinson, George Close, John C. Stoner, Sr., E, 
J. Quinn, Justices of the Peace, and E. J. Mix, Quincy Stark, 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 1 5 

Charles H, Lynch and James B. Newell, constables. 

On the 4th day of September, 1884, this Board made their first 
levy for taxes as follows: Territorial purpose, three mills; Interest 
on Territorial Bonds, three-tenths of a mill; ordinary county rev- 
enue, six mills; bridge fund, one mill; road tax, one mill. At their 
next meeting, September 8, they levied a poll tax on all male per- 
sons between twenty-one and fifty years of age; one dollar and fifty 
cents on every elector for support of schools, and also for support 
of schools two mills on all taxable property. At this same meeting 
the Board allowed its first bill, being $4.50 to reimburse L. E. 
Whitcher money expended for chairs to be used in the court room 
for Justices of the Peace. 



CHAPTER II 



Leaving now the monotony of county official proceedings 

(which, however, will be referred to again) we will mention in a 

lighter vein such scraps of history as tend to make up the unwritten 

record, but still are a part of the county, and without which the 

history would not be complete. There is something peculiarly 

fascinating to early settlers, who make the first start in a new 

county who constitute what the poet calls 

"the first low wash of waves 
where soon will roll a human sea." 

Its virgin and unbroken soil lies in mute silence, so to speak, 
waiting for coming events. A few men come together attracted by 
what seemed to them the best of opportunities to be in on the 
eround floor, and awaiting the results which are promising and al- 
luring, and they are, for time brings settlement, cultivation of the 
soil, land values, and, under proper management, wealth to the 
early settlers. The immediate future growth of the county also de- 
pends somewhat upon the character of the men who make the first 
start. In some parts of the west the first organizers of counties, 
as in Northwestern Iowa, were grafters pure and simple. They 
hnd no other object only to organize the county, set in motion all 
the machinery of a county municipal government, have themselves 
placed in the various countv offices, then grind out county warrants 
for the most exhorb'tan* expenditures and divide the spoils, Hyde 
Countv did not start that way. Whatever strife there may have 
been in the early organization, it was not for graft, although that 
species of plunder mav after all, in r mild form, have crept in alonj? 
some stages of the county's historv, for men are weak, easily fnll 
into temptation, when it pertains to monev getting', But the 
county was not organized for phinder and the irerorrls of the county 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



show that as a rule its affairs have been honestlv managed, though 
now and then oerhaps there has been some thoroughly dishon-est 
official, for no count}^ nor any other species of governmental exist- 
ence can always be entirely free from them. 

The first year of the county organization, during the period of 
its double character, from November 1883 to September 1885, there 

was no other town in the county 
except^Highmore and during that 
time there was little else to do 
except to join one faction or the 
other, each mingling with the 
other with such smiles and bland- 
ishments as they could command 
and carry upon their faces under 
a real feeling of hatred and dis- 
like, which, however, never cul- 
minated in an outbreak of person- 
al warfare, and after all the real 
humor of the situation would ap- 
pear upon the surface, and show 
itself in various ways. There 
was but little work for the two 
registers of deeds, for there was 
but a small number of acres to 
be conveyed, most of the land then being owned by the United 
States government. But still there was some conveyancing and 
the parties m it, of the first and second part, in order to be sure 
of a legal record would pav dcnible fees and the conveyance appear 
upon both sets of books. Some stranger appeared one day in town 
with a deed to be recorded, and on his way up street from the de- 
pot not knowing of the double headed organization inquired for the 
recorder's office, and was directed to the office of Recorder Perkins. 
He went there paid the fees and left his paper. At noon time wh^n 




MRS. S. C. TRAVER 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



19 



he was among; the Ordway crowd he was informed that his deed 
had been recorded at the wrong place, that it was a fake shop and 
he had been swindled out of a dollar. Being a man of nervous and 
excitable disposition he hurriedly went to the Perkins office, de- 
manded his deed and his money, and did this with the air of one 
who believed he had been swindled and was determined to avenge 
the offense and punish the offender. He was told, however, that he 
could have the deed when its 
record was complete, but the 
money would not be returned. 
Upon this he started \n to be 
troublesome and belligerent, but a 
few of the boys being near by, he 
w^as hustled out into the street and 
thre-cttened with a nest. He was a 
decent fellow, however, and when 
he learned the true situation of af- 
fairs he laughed over it, patron- 
ized both offices and later on had 
some of the individual members of 
both factions lined up together at 
the bar of John Zwight's saloon. 

What is now Holabird 
township was known at first 
as Hughitt township, though 

as a townshi]) it was not so designated, except as a school pre- 
cinct. It WHS given the name Hughitt by the Ordway Board, December 
3, 1883. But that locality to Highmore and the Ordway crowd, was 
the offending territory and constituted tlie contention over the 
county seat. But although it had assumed the name of Hughitt 
and became known as such, Highmore people, in the spirit of sar- 
casm and irony, designated that locality as "Gumbo Holler" and 
would convev to the mind of the outsider and the incoming settler 




S. C. TRAVER 



20 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



the idea that the soil was nothing but gumbo and unfit for cultiva- 
tion, which is not so, and which statement those same Highmore 
people would now refute with the most emphatic denial. 

But in the crisis of war, be it in the case of contending armies 
or in a bloodless strife, in a war of words, each side does not hesi- 
tate to blacken the reputation of the other, or to apply any kind of 

an offensive epithet with a large 
measure of expressive adjectives. 
During 1882 and on to nearly 
the close of the season, the gov- 
ernment land in the vicinity of 
Holabird was without settlers. 
There were no filings in the 
Huron land office by homestead- 
ers, indeed the outside world had 
not been told of the opportunity 
to secure land there. Neither 
the railroad company nor hust- 
ling land agents had entered the 
advertising field to proclaim the 
virtues of this rich and unculti- 
vated El Dorado, waiting there 
G, C. STONER fo^ incoming settlers. It was not 

until the following year, in 1883, 
when there was a rush of settlers to secure land in this part of the 
state and in that rush Hyde county obtained its share. Towards 
the latter i_art of 1882, however, a few parties from Highmore in- 
terested in establishing a town where HoSabird now is, made some 
filings there, and thei'e was some bogus settling, so called, as there 
always is in a new countrv. Some fellow from the east conceived 
the idea that he could hold some of these quarter sections of land 
tor speculation by placing shacks upon them and thereby deceive 
the incoming settler into believing that the land was legitimately 




HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 21 

settled upon. 

The shacks stood there f about a dozen of them) for a few 
weeks, when the real settlers made investigation at the Huron land 
office, and finding that no filings had been made, and knowing there 
were no occupants of the shacks, they then realized the true condi- 
tion of affairs and decided to act. The result was that in a single 
night every one of these shacks disappeared, the next morning not 
even a single board w. s left, they were all gone as if the wings of 
the morning had borne them to distant lands. The speculative per- 
son who put them there never showed up, his scheme had been de- 
feated, and he was silent, for complaint on his part would have 
brought about an exposure. 

The settlers who located in that neighborhood near the close of 
the year 1882 and in the early spring of 1883 were men who in- 
tended to establish a town, which afterwards was established by 
others and named Holabird. 

That town will be merstioned further on under its appropriate 
heading, as we are now referring to the early settlers. These set- 
tlers consisted of L. E. Whitcher, Quincy Stark, George Stark, A. 
B. Vines, Charles McElwain, A. B. Chrysler, John Stevenson and 
D. A. VV. Perkins. Each had shacks of their own, but the main 
tabernacle where they counseled together and played seven-up was 
on the nrrthwest quarter cf section 10, Holabird township; there 
they were in frequent conference over the new town to be started, 
and the estabhshment there of the county seat. At one time they 
were about out of grub, not enough for another day, when Whitcher 
went to Highmore for a fresh supply. Soon after he had gone, 
omnious and threatening clowds showed up, the atmo phere and the 
temperature betokened serious weather, and in a few hours a first- 
class blizzard was sweeping the prairie, making it impossible for 
even a Dakotan to venture out of doors. There was serious alarm 
ill the camp. They had reached about the last of the fuel, with 
about one more meal of flour pancakes, and now this blizzard of 



^ 



22 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



about three days prospective duration howling with mad frenzy 
about their single boarded habitation. The next dav after dinner 
time — we say time, for they had no dinner— they heard shouting- 
out of doors, and upon investiga- 
tion they found Mr. Whitcher 
and James Ingram, along w_th a 
team and wagon and a small 
amount of supplies. These two 
were nearly perished, and it took 
some time to bring them around, 
but with fuel from their wagon, 
the room was sufficient!}' warmed 
to get them well thawed out. 
Theirs was a dangerous mission 
and it was a wonder they success- 
fully performed it, but they felt 
the necessity of releaving their 
companions fiom their deplor- 
able conditions. In the blizzard 
they were unable for some time 
to hnd the shack, and had they 
not accidentally coine !i|>on it when they did they must have per- 
ished in the storm. As it was they brought supplies enough to last 
through the blizzard. Their horses were stabled in an adjoining 
shack and the straw beds were emptie(i to get feed for the horses, 
such as it was. But the storm, after lasting two days and two 
nights, let up. and then all was serene again and everybody happy. 
Along about the time mentioned there was probability of quite a 
Chicago settlement. About a dozen soldier declaraty filings were 
made, but under these there were only two settlements. Norman 
Barney, of Chicago, proved up on a claim there, also F. M. Barney 
and F. M. Smith. They did not remain, however, after final 
proof. W. B. Hamlin and Fred Lyman were among these from 




D. L. CADWALADER 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



23 



Mr 



in the railroad yard at 
Hamlin now resides at 




Chicago. Mr. Lyman was killed hi 
Huron, where he was employed. 
Hig-hmore. He arrived there in 
the s[)ring: of 1883. When the 
Holabird contingent, as before 
stated, were in their shack Mr 
Hamlin drove b}' with a load of 
goods and was looking for his 
claim. He stopped and inquired 
of the boys where the claim was 
located and the information was 
given him. After Mi. Hamlin 
drove away tfiere was quite a dis- 
cussion among them as to who 
that man was and what had been 
his occupation in lite. One of 
them thouglit he was a farmer 
changing his location, another 
thought he was a storekeeper and 
had shifted to a government 

claim, but the rest insisted that he was'a Presbyterian preacher and 
hnally bet on it, but Vlr. Hamlin afterwards decided against them. 

In the winter of 1882 and 3 coyotes were [jlenty and many of 
them were caught as traps were continually kept out, indeed by 
spring the main shack was about covered with coyote skins. 

One moordight night they set two traps about six inches apart 
and placed a piece of meat between them, then watched out of the 
window for their game. The -first coyote that showed up actually 
lay down on the ground, reached his paw between the traps and 
pulled the meat out and awav from them, which was such an act of 
cuteness and intelligence they had not the heart to shoot him, but 
many were shot as wdl as trapped. In the early days of the coun- 
ty, most of the settlers lived in shacks. Any kind of a habitation 



24 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



would do on the start, unless the settler was able to build extensive- 
ly. The shack or shanty is exclusively a western institution, at any 
rate it was the settler's castle, and a shack was generally 8 by lo 
with a shed roof, and tar paper covering. If anyone doubted the 
continuous residence, the shack was pointed out as the mute but 
convincing evidence of settlement. A stove pipe also projected 
throup-h the roof, and this useful ornament would remove all doubt 

of the settler's good faith. Oc- 







casionally, when some shack was 
too long neglected, some mis- 
chevious o r malicious fellow 
would appropriate it to his own 
use, and the settler, if he re- 
turned, would find his evidence of 
settlement removed. 

B'^Dit among settlers it was re- 
garded, if the claim was taken in 
good faith, as the sacred habita- 
tion, the legal improvea.ent of 
him who placed it there, and it 
was not well either to molest or 
disturb it. 

Ofttimes the habitation con- 
sisted of a sod shanty, and some- 
times a dug out, which was an 
excavation in the ground, a hole large enough to live in, covered to 
shed the rain. As the settler prospered, and as he possessed thrift 
and economy, he would "catch on, "and his pioneer structure would 
be succeeded by something more commodious. If a claim was too 
long neglected, it would often be taken by another, jumped as we 
called it, but jumping claims was then a disreputable, and sometimes 
a serious business, unless the settler had entirely neglected his ddty, 
and paid no attention to the requirements of the law. 



A. D. WINANS 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



25 



There are a few shacks now, but in a few years we can say with 
the poet, 

" Good-by, old shack; time's relentless rigor 
Has ground you up at last to shapeless dust; 
But faithfully have you perfoiined your trust, 
And sheltered manly wortli. and moral vigor." 

Along in the early days when money was scarce, and people 
hard up, the fuel question was quite a problem. It cost something 
to live through the winter and keep warm, and without coal or 
wood then something else must 
supply their place. Many peo- 
ple burned "Buffalo chips" and 
laid in quite a stock in the fall, 
but this method of heating was 
distasteful and unsatisfactory. If 
e\ rr the mind of man is prolific 
with suggestions ^nd theories, it 
is when necessity demands it. In 
casting about for something that 
would take the place of coal, there 
seemed to be nothing in sight, 
Hside from the chips, but the 
prairie grass which was produced 
)ight here from the soil. Thi; 
discovery of available fuel at our 
V ry doors went over the country 
like wild fire, and soon the' horny 

hand of many a struggling homesteader was straining its muscles 
twisting the prairie grass into a compact form, so that it could be 
placed in the stove and answer all the purposes of fuel. 

The hay it was true, did considerable heating, but the twist- 
ing and Bring up took about all the time one man could spare, and 
as women could not do the twisting, the head of the household had 
to practice, and perhaps improve upon the art with de\'Oted indus- 




J. H. PILKINGTON 



26 HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 

try. Ingenious ones entered the field of invention, and the brain of 
many an ambitious settler was racked with devices for twisting the 
s^uff until the patent office at Washington was crowded with models, 
which each one furnishing them believed would revolutionize the 
heating forces of the world. On . fellow's invention consisted of 
TWO upright pieces of wood, of sufficient height, manipulated the 




FINE RESIDENCE OF B. A. FOOTE, HIGHMORE, S. D. 

hay by hooks, and then a crank, which carried a roller catching the 
hay and winding it, until it was a solid stick of proper size for us- 
ing. 

Fred Wareham spent many an anxious day and night over a 
hay burner, which, by new devices, he thought would revolutionize 
the whole system of heating, but at last he gave it up in despair 
and pitched the thing ou^ in the back yard. 

One fellow who run for office in 1886 Vv^as nearly slaughtered in 
his election, because he was charged with being so "stuck up" that 
he would not burn hay. During those winters the shack with only 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



27 



room enough to live in, would be so filed with twisted hay, the in- 
mates could hardly get around themselves, and the stranger who 
entered it would see no room for him. 

But in the time, the hay burner went out of use, the people of 
the county were "catching on" and money was on hand to buy the 
proper kind of fuel. 

In September, 1882, a prairie fire svvept the county, but there 
being not much property in the 
county to burn, there was but 
little damage. But prairie fires 
during the eighties were ot com- 
mon occurance, started principal- 
ly from sparks thrown from the 
locomotive, which resulted in 
damage suits against the North- 
western Railroad Co., but owing 
to the fact that the losers were 
generally poor men the company 
settled the suits satisfactory to 
the claimants. 

July 26, 1886, a prairie fire 
started north of Holabird and 
swept on east and southeast and 
burned over in area what would 
be about one township, and more 

damage would have been done but for a rainfall the next morning, 
which put an end to the fire. As it was D. W. Peppel lost a barn 
and contents, eleven tons of hay, chickens, turkeys and some wheat 
in the field. John McGovern, seventy-five shocks (^f wheat; Peter 
Learn, three acres of wheat and John Tobin his house barn and 
grain, in fact Mr. Tobin lost about all he had. Other misfortunes 
which came to Hyde county are mentioned elsewhere. 




B. A. FOOTE 



CHAPTER III 



Our readers will now pardon us if we leave Hyde county long: 
enouph to say something of the great state of South Dakota, of 
which we are a part, and in doing this we quote from a statement 
made by Ex-Gov. Elrod. It was written in January, 1907, and to 
an outside reader will be of much interest. The Governor said: 

"The story of the growth and development of the state of South 
Dakota i?^ most interesting. Its 76,850 square miles is a part of the 
great Louisana Purchase which Jefferson bought for a mere song, 
i. e., $15,000,000. South Dakota's corn crop last year brought 
$16,000,000. The first farms were opened in what is now the state, 
less than forty years ago, and settlers did not come in great num- 
bers until iSSoani 1883. Dakota territory was divided in 1889 and 
the state of South Dakota has had a remarkably healthful growth 
from its admission into the union until now. For many years it 
was the talk among doubting Thomases that the climate was too 
dry and that the state could never become an agricultural state, 
but our pioneer citizens have demonstrated that wherever the 
prairie fires are kept out, wherever the |_low goes, wherever trees 
are planted, rain fall increases. 

Let me ask what is the matter with a state that has produced 
for eight consecutive years more wealth per capita than any other 
state.^ What is the matter with a stnte that has more money Der 
capita in h r banks than any sister state.^ What is the matter with 
a state that has fewer idle people than any other state and fewer 
people per capita in her poor house? South Dakota is the state 
that leads in all these things. South Dakota is neither too far 
north nor too far south. Her climate is better, winter and sum- 
mer, than Kansas and Nebraska, or North Dakota and Montana. 
Kansas and Nebraska are great States, hut a look at the map of the 



30 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



Missouri valley convinces one that the soil, or the land, of South 
Dakota is better than the huid o. soil of the states above mentioned. 
The great Missouri river crosses South Dakota from northwest to 
southeast and the state is watered and drained by it and its branches 
A look at the inap shows one that the western half of South Dako- 
ta is peculiar for two things. It contains the Black Hills, a most 
inte-'^-^^-^"- """'" ^qi'iHf^ n'le- of country, famed for its rich valleys 

and its gold mines which pro- 
duced during the last year $7,- 
190,000, and secondly the great- 
er part of the western half of the 
state drains to the north and 
east and is much better watered 
than our sister states to the 
south of us, and there is consider- 
able timber and probably a great 
suppl}' of lignite coal. In a word 
those of us who ha\e lived here 
for twenty-four \ears are just be- 
ginning to realize what a won- 
derful area of land our state con- 
tains. 

The native grasses of the state 
are unsurpassed. Cattle and 
horses and sheep fatten without 
corn on the grass that produced the famous buffaloes of only forty 
years ago. Timothy and clover and alfalfa and Kentucky blue 
grass follows civilization. South Dakota doe^ not claim to be a 
wheat state or a corn state. She is both, and she is more; she is a 
mixed farming state. She produces in great quantities wheat, corn 
oats, barley, flax, potatoes, horses, cattle and dairy products, sheep 
and wool, and hogs. 

Last year the state raised 43,000,000 bushels of wheat whi'di 




J. C. STONER, JR. 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



31 



sold for $28,000,000; 51,000,000 bushels of corn worth $16,000,000, 
42,000,000 bushels of oats worth $9,450,000; 20,000,000 bushels of 
barley worth $5,400,000; 2,250,000 bushels of flax worth $1,800,000; 
potatoes worth $4,250,000 and eggs and poultry worth $3,600,000. 
She sold 33,000 car loads of horses, cattle and hogs and sheep which 
put $25,000,000 into circulation in the state. It may be of interest 
to know that 33,000 cars, if in one line or in one train, would reach 
from Sioux City, Iowa, across our beautiful state of South Dakota, 
via Yankton, Scotland, Mitchell, RedHeld, Aberdeen to Oaks in 
North Dakota. Bv the way, there is not a finer stretch of country 
anywhere than lies between the above named points, excepting 
other points in South Dakota. 



W" 




Tir ■ HI ATA- .^H^^ 

Ilhnois and Iowa and Jnaiana are 

called hog states, and Wisconsin 
is a cow state South Dakota is 
not a hog state or a cow sta^'e; 
she is both a hog state and a 
C(^w state. According t o the 

hgnres of tlie United States au- 
thority, live stock per capita is 
valued at $ t6o and the rich, long 
settled state of Iowa is second T'-.e Farmer 
with a valuation of $122. 

We are just beginning to raise fruit. There is one orchard in 
Turner countv containing 130 acres that produced 24,000 bushels of 
apples in one season. The state is sure to become a fruit growing 
state, owing to the invigorating climate. 

Let me ask the reader if he or she tliinks there is anything ser- 
iously the matter with the climate, or the people of the state that 
produces all these things. 

There are other things of equal if not greater importance than 
cattle and hogs and dollars. 

The homes, the schools, the church- > lui the character of the 



Friend Mote!, M. £. Tagg, Prop. 
Highmore, So. Dak. 



32 HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 

people of a Gommunity are the real test after all The quality of 
the citizenship of the average South Dakotan is unsurpassed. The 
first settlers were the pluckiest boys and girls from the other states 
and from the nations across the ocean. They came here without 
means, but with the courage and determination that always insure 
success. The march of the pioneers of South Dakota, like the 
exodus of the children of Israel, has been from a wilderness into a 
land of beautiful homes suppHed with all the necessaries and manv 
of the comforts of life. How I wish the renter and the small farmer 
of the eastern states could see what the pioneers of this state have 
accomplished within the last quarter of a century. If I were a 
renter and paid annually a big rent to a rich landlord, or had but a 
few acres, provided always that I had backbone, I would come to 
South Dakota and buy a farm, if I had a part of the purchase 
price, and if I had no means, I would go to the end of the railroad, 
or ahead of it, and enttr a homestead. 

The writer of these lines, without money, landed at the end of 
the track on a construction tiain v^heie the thriving little town of 
Clark now stands, in 1882. He stil! owns the land he ]-)reenjpted 
and $50 an acre wouldn't buy it and there isn't any mortgage on it. 
When you get a good piece of land, improve it, do not mortgage it, 
except for purchase money in case you buy it. Do not sell it, but 
keep it. It will be the safest asset noh can leave your family. It 
will be there after the storms, after the panic, after the bank fail- 
ure. 

The Schools of South Dakota are the pride of all our people. 
The common schools, the Normal schools, the School of Mines, the 
Agricultural College, the State University, are each and all in a 
healthful growing condition. The Agricultural college at Brook- 
ings with James Wilson, Jr., at the head of the farming department 
is beautifully located and is an inspiration to every stock grower 
w^hoseesit. The Agricultural Experiment Farm at Highmore is 
the most helpful institution a state can give its farmers. It is doing 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



33 



for Hyde county and the state generally a vast amount of good. 

Our permanent school funds amounts to $4,707,000 every cent 
of which is drawing interest at the rate of 5 per cent and we have 
1,960,000 acres of choice school lands unsold. 

The penal and charitable institutions of the state are modern. 
Neatness and economy and efficient management are characteristic 
of every one of them. There is neither waste nor graft in a public 
institution in the state. 

We are just beginning to 
grow. Our people now 
have something to do with 
as fast as hands and money 
can make improvements 
they are being made. A 
sure index of a good coun- 
try is when rnilroads build 
in it. A thousand miles ot 
new railioad are being built 
in the state at a cost of 
many millions of dollars. 
Three or four new steel 
bridges are being" built 
across the great Missouri 
river that Lewis Clark as- 
cended a hundred years ago. 
Each will cost about $1,250,000. Along these new roads, homes 
and farms, towns, villages and cities will spring up and the prairies 
which have been known onl by the buffalo and the Indian will 
bring forth wheat and corn and all the products of the farm. 
Truly, "Man proposes, bmt God disposes." 

The financial affairs of the state are in a most flattering con- 
dition. The banks are full of the people's n>oney and there has not 
been a bank failure within the state during the past two years. The 




O. L. WHITCHER 



34 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



State is practically out of debt. The bonded indebtedness is but 
$212,000 and the monev is in the sinking? fund to take up these 
bonds as soon as they are due. 

For several months past the state treasurer has been trying to 
get the owners of these bonds to take their money, but most bond- 
holders only want their interest. He did succeed in g^ettin^ the 
owner of $25,000 of these b^nds to take his money and thus saved 
the state in interest $2000. 




Come on in The Water's Fine- SCENE ON JOHN SARVIS" FARM, HYDE COUNTY. 

The state has outstanding- emer^rency warrants in the sum of 
$250,000 and has cash on hand amoiintini; to $40,000; so the in- 
debtedness of the state is but $212,000. Many of the counties of 
the state are out of debt. MoiU'\- is plentiful and taxes are low. It 
is needless to say that the present administration stands for econ- 
omy. The watchword of ever} state institution and every depart- 
ment of the state is first, efficiency and secondly, economy. 

South Dakota is a bee hive. There is work for every man, 
woman and child. What the state needs is people, and what a 
great many people need, is a home. There is room for thousands 
in South Dakota. If you are interested, come and see. The rail- 
roads sell half fare tickets every Tuesday. In a word, if you u-ant 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



35 



work, if you want a home, come to South Dakota; but do not come 
unless you are an optimist and have the blood in you that knows 
no defeat. Storms will come and they will come a^ain, but the 
sun will shine bri.tjhter tomorrow than it does today." 



Fnllowing this we will add that Hyde county lies in about the 
center of the state, is bounced on the north by Potter and Faulk 
counties, on the south by 
buffalo county and the 
Missouri river, on the east 
b}' Hand cc^unty and on the 
west by Hughes and Sully 
counties. The county con- 
tains eight hundred nnd 
seventy-four square miles or 
552,960 acres. It is one of 
the \oungest of Dakota 
counties and when these 
pages are per. sed its short, 
but eventful career will con- 
vince the reader that this 
count}' is one of the most 
progressive and inviting. It 
v\ill not be long before every ^' ^INANS 

acre of wild prairie will be transformed into waving fields of agri- 
cull urai enterprise and all will be thrifty farms and several pros- 
perous towns. The surface of Hyde county land is generally rolling 
prairie with occasional ranges of low bhiffs. The prairie rolls 
everywhere in the county to an extent that drains the land without 
creating swamp or marsh. The character of the soil is such that it 
cannot be surpassed t)y any agricultural region in the United 
States. It is one to Hve feet deep and for small grain, such as 




36 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



wheat, oats, barley, rye. buckwheat, etc., is well adapted, and the 
yield of corn and potatoes is simply enormous. The soil is rich, 
deep and durable, and with proper care and cultivation is almost 
inexhaustable. Stock raisin^^ in Hyde county is a safe and lucra- 
tive business. The grass and hav producing- qualities of the soil are 
of the highest character and any farmer here can inake a great suc- 
cess of hogs and corn in fact many are doing it. Tne cliin ite dif- 



I 




ONE OF HYDE COUNTY'S BEST FARMS. OWNED BY DR. H. H. STONER. 



fers from that of eastern states in a very few particulars. The 
summers and winters are milder than in the east, that is to say, the 
heat is not so oppressive in the summer, nor are the winters so 
steadily cold. In the spring and autumn the mornings and evenings 
are delightful and refreshingly cool and the climate may be justly 
considered one of the most healthy, being a dry and exhilerating 
atmosphere well adapted to persons having catarrah, bronchial or 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 37 

lun^ difficulties. There is not a climate anywhere free from all ob- 
jectionable features, but we cannot but conclude that Hyde county 
possesses that which is fine and healthy. 



CHAPTER IV 



COUNTY OFFICERS 

We will now give the names of all the county officers from the 
time of its legal organization up to the present, omitting the names 
of those in the double organization as these are given in Chapter I 
so that our list commences Sept. 2, 1884, and were by appoint- 
ment, 

—1884— 

Register of Deeds E. O. Parker 

Probate Judge Charles H. Price 

Treasurer John F. Goudy 

Sheriff Charles P. Jones 

Sup't. of Schools Cora M. Shober 

Surveyor , D. L. Cadwalader 

Coroner B. D Foster 

Assessor Charles S. McGill 

Supervisors L E, Whitcher, A. E. Van Camp 

— 1885-1886— 

The first election in Hyde c )unty, f(^r county officers was in 
Nr>wmber, 1SH4. at which time the foll'nving persons were elected. 

Register of Deeds M. G. Sinon 

Pr'-bnte Judge John F. Goudy 

Trensurer Homer James 

Slieriff James H Lynce 

Siip't f>f Schools John F. O'Donnell 

County Attoi ney Charles H. Price 

Sn vp\ ' ir D. L. Cadwalader 

A-;=;e-^or E. J. Quinn 

C'MOiMM- B D. Foster 

SiipniN isois. . . . A. E. VanCam \ I) ivid Moore and J. W Beardsly 

In thesuniiner of \\^S the c ) n nissioner districts were changed 



^ 


fe 


-^^-^^^^^H^^^^^^^^^^H- "" ~^^S" 


inillflfilffltiiiiiii "^ 


W^Bfc.-: l.-..^■j.■.'■ ■■!..; ! ^ --'j|---H---|j^;;^ 






BE 



FINE RESIDENCE OF S. DREW, HIGHMORE, SO. DAK. 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 4I 

which added two more districts. The election was held May 12, 
1885, for the purpose of electing two additional commissioners. In 
District No. 4, Robert E. Murphy was elected, and George Crose 
in No. 5. With these officers added to the list the next election 
was held Nov. 2, 1886. Officers in 

— 1887-1888— 

Register of Deeds M. G. Sinon 

Probate Judge O. W. Beebe 

Treasurer Homer James 

Sheriff S. R. Meigs 

County Attorney A. N. Van Camp 

Sup't of Schools T. E. Price 

Surveyor D. L. Cadwalader 

Coroner H. H. Stoner 

Commissioners A. E. Van Camp, Wells F. Pidge, Wm. H, 

Triplett, R. E. Murphy and L. W. Harvey. 

— 1 889- 1890— 

Auditor F. M. Barnes 

Register of Deeds John H. McCoid 

County Judge John C. Stoner 

Treasurer J. A. Sedgwick 

Sheriff S. R.Meigs 

County Attorney D. A. W. Perkins 

Sup't of Schools T. E. Price 

Surveyor L. C. Hadlev 

Coroner H. H. Stoner 

Clerk of Courts L. Q. Jeffries 

Assessor Stephen Swift 

Cotninissioners H. B. Young, G. \V. Comstock, James H. 

Pettys Simon Fritzen, and W. W. Kingsbury 

In t8qo Mr. Kingsbury and Mr. Fritzen had retired and in 
their places were appointed B A Foote and John D. Gray, 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 43 

— 189I-1892 — 

Auditor F. M. Barnes 

Register of Deeds E. O. Parker 

Sheriff S.R.Meigs 

County Judge A. N. Van Camp 

Treasurer John A. Sedgwick 

State's Attorney T.E.Price 

Sup't of Scliools John F. Gowdy 

Sui veyor L. C. Hadley 

Coroner H. C. Harris 

Clerk of Courts John C. Stoner, Sr. 

Assessor John M. Zemlicka 

Commissionf-rs. . . . B. A. Foote, Geo. A. Tosh, G. VV. Comstock, J. 
W. Jones and John D. Gray. 

In 1892 \V. D. McDonald was elected to succeed Mr. Foote. In 
January. 1892, John F'.Goudy resigned as Superintendent of Schools 
and Mrs. Dora Stewart was elected by the Board to succeed him. 

— 1 893- 1 894 

Auditor S. C. Traver 

Register of Deeds E. O. Parker 

Probate Juc'ge A. N. Van Camp 

Treasurer , Denton B. Thayer 

Sheriff Hiram B. Young 

Sup't of Schools Etta Bell Morton 

State's Attorney G. L. F. Robinson 

Surveyor. H. C. Harris 

Coroner A. P. Stoner 

Clerk of Courts John C. Stoner 

Assessr)r Wm. C. Wooley 

Counnissioners ...Henry A. Parker, Soren K. Christiansen, Henry 
A. Parker, Wm. Bottcher, Martin Bouzek. 




FINE RESIDENCE OF A. N. GERHART, HIGHMORE, SO. DAK, 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 45 

— 1895-1896— 

Auditor . . S. C. Traver 

Register of Deeds Charles P. Sawson 

County Judge Eli Johnson 

Treasurer D. B. Tha> er 

Sheriff A. N. Gerhart 

Sup't of School Dora C. Stewart 

State's Attorney G. L. F. Robinson 

Surveyor H. C. Harris 

Coroner A. P. Stoner 

Clerk of Courts John C. Stoner, Sr 

Assessor Wm. C. Wooley 

Commissioners for 1895 were Albert Wells, Martin Bouzek, Reuben 

Ellerton, W. D. McDonald and S. K. Christensen. 

In T895 Coroner Stoner, having resigned, Orin L. Whitcher 
was elected coroner by the Board. 

Commissioners f(.r 1896 wert^ llie same as 1895 except H. C. 
Shober and Christ Ode^iard were on the l)()ard in place of W. D. 
McDonald and S. K. Christeiison. 

— 1 897- 1898 — 

Auditor H. C. Shober 

Register of Deeds B. A. Foote 

County Judge J. S. Harris 

Treasurer Chas. P. Swanson 

Sheriff A. N. Gerhart 

Sup't of Schools . Dora C. Stewart 

State's Attorney Fred M. Barnes 

Surveyor H. C. Harris 

Coroner A. P. Stoner 

Clerk of Courts E. R. Sheppard 

Assessor , John Wooley 

Commissioners for 1897: R. Ellerton, E. L. Sarvis, J. M. Jensen, S. 




BLACKSMITH SHOP OF W. W. YEANDLE, HIGHMORE, S. D. 



1 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 47 

S. Meigs, C. Odegard; for 1898, the same except Arthur Lee in 
place of C. Odegard. 

— 1 899- 1 900 — 

Auditor H. C. Shober 

Register of Deeds , B. A. Foote 

County Judge J. S. Harris 

Treasurer Charles P. Swanson 

Sheriff Alphonso Winans 

Sup't of Schools ... Clara Morford 

State's Attorney Fred M. Barnes 

Surveyor H. C. Harris 

Coroner C. E. Lighthead 

Clerk of Courts E. R. Sheppard 

Assessor Geo. H. Bottcher 

Commissioners for 1899; the same as 1898 except D. O. Welch in 
place of Reuben Ellerton. In 1900, H. T. Johnson, J. M. Jensen, 
J. A. McDonald, Arthur Lee and D. O. Welch. 

— 1901-1902 — 

Auditor John C. Stonei 

Register of Deeds O. C. Kippenbrock 

County Judge Eli Johnson 

Treasurer B. A. Foote 

Sheriff Alphonso Winans 

Sup't of Schools Ira L. Angle 

State's Attorney . . , A. N. Van Camp 

Surveyor , John Amaldy 

Coroner Chas. E. Lighthead 

Clerk of Courts E. R. Sheppard 

Assessor Wm. J. Bottcher 

Commissioners in 1901 the same as in 1900 except that Samuel Mason 
was on the Board in place of D. O. Welch. 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 49 

— I903-I9O4— 

Auditor Frank L. Latta 

Register of Deeds O. C. Kippenbrock 

County Judge Eli Johnson 

Treasurer B. A. Foote 

Sheriff Thomas W. Tibbs 

Sup't of Schools Ira L. Angle 

State's Attorney M. C. Cunningham 

Surveyor J. P. Gilman 

Coroner I. M. Burnside 

Clerk of Courts Oran O. Hart 

Assessor Even O. Evenson 

Commissioners John M. Jensen, Arthur Lee, H. T. Johnson 

Samuel Mason and J. S. Mesick. 

— 1905-1906 — 

Auditor Frank L. Latta 

Register of Deeds • J. H. Pilkington 

County Judge G. L. F. Robinson 

Treasurer L.M.Hanson 

Sheriff Thomas W. Tibbs 

Sup't of Schools W. N. Van Camp 

State's Attorney EH Johnson 

Surveyor J. P. Gilman 

Coroner H H. Stoner 

Clerk of Courts Oran O. Hart 

Assessor J. H. Myers 

Commissioners Reuben Ellerton, John Zemlicka, W. J. Han- 
nah, Jos. Mesick and Arthur Lee. In July, 1905, Judge G. L. 
F. Robmson died and F. M. Barnes was appointed to succeed 
him. 

— 1907- 1908 — 
Auditor James Buchan 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 5 I 

Register of Deeds J. H. Pilkington 

County Judge D. A. W. Perkins 

Treasurer L. M. Hanson 

Sheriff S. R. Meigs 

Sup't of Schools W. N. Van Camp 

State's At torney Eli Johnson 

Surveyor . . . C. R. Duller 

Coroner H. H. Stoner 

Clerk of Coni ts R. B. Rockwell 

Assessor Even O. Evenson 

Commissioners . . Reuben Ellerton, H. C. Harris. W. J. Hannah, 
Charles Olson, John Zemlicka. Sheriff S. R. Meigs died in 
February, 1908, and Arthur Lee was appointed to fill out his 
term. 




RESIDENCE OF JOHN SARVIS, HYDE COUNTY. 



1 



CHAPTER V 



THE COURTS 

At a meeting of the County Board Sept. 8, 1884, a resolution 
was passed, providing: for a petition, to be presented to the Hon. 
Seward Smith, then judge of the 5th Judicial District, asking him 
to create a new sub-division of the district to be composed of Hyde 
county, named Highmore as the place for holding court and to pro- 
vide for a term by judicial order. 

The petition was drawn on behalf of the county commissioners 

and duly presented to Judge Smith, who then issued the following 

order. 

Territory of Dakota ) 
F^ifth Judicial District \ ^^ 

By the authority mvested in me by law, I, Seward Smith, an 
Associate Justice ot the Supreme Court of the Territory of Dakota 
rind sole presiding judge of the District Court of said Fifth Judicial 
District, do hereby detach the County of Hyde in said Judicial Dis- 
trict from the County of Hughes and other counties, together with 
which it and they have heretofore constituted one judicial sub-di- 
vision, and it is hereby ordered that the said County of Hyde shall 
of and by itself alone, be and constitute a separate and complete 
judicial sub-division and a term of the District Court is hereby ap- 
pointed to be held at the Court House at the county seat of said 
Hyde County at such time as shall hereafter be designated by law 
or by the Jwdge of this Fifth District. 

Dated at Pierre, Hughes County, Dakota, this 3rd day of Feb- 
ruary, 1885. 

Seward Smith, 
Judge. 

There seems to be no record of any order fixing a time for the 



54 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



first term of court in Hyde County, but such order must have been 
made, as court was convened at Hi^^hmore, Sept. 15, 1885. 

At a meeting of the County Board held Sept. 8, 1885, R. E. 
Murphvwas appointed as committeeman to procure a room in which 
to hold couit. He later reported that he had rented the First 
Methodist church buildino: at a rental of four dollars a day. Court 
was not held there however, but was held in the upper room of the 

building now owned by H. C. 
Harris and occupied by him as a 
drug store. 

Probably upon reflection the 
church officers may have regard- 
ed it as rather sacreligious to 
tiiui their building over to law- 
yers and litigants whose perform- 
ances are sometimes on the 
"show" order. Court convened, 
however, on the 15th day of 
Se,'lember, 1885, in the Han is 
building and this was the first 
term of the District Court in 
Hyde County. Judge Seward 
Smith presided. Chas. H. Price 
was County Attorney, James H. 
Lynch, sheriff; and E. S. Martin, 
Clerk. The bailiffs v\ere R. E. Murphy, C. E. Lynch, A. A. Dibble, 
E. C. Musser and W. W. McCullough. Upon motion of L. E. 
Whitcher; G. L. F. Robinson, Homer James and D. A. W. Perkins 
were admitted to practice, upon certificates from other states. J. 
L. A\-ers then moved the court that Titus E. Price, John Suther- 
land, M. G. Sinon and John T. Blakemore be admitted to practice 
upon examination. The court appointed J. L. Ayers, A. N. Van 
Camp and D. A. \V. Perkins as examinmg committee, who per- 




t 



L. E. GAFFEY 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



55 



formed their dut}' and reported that the applicants named were 
worthy and well qualified; they were then admitted, the clerk ad- 
ministered the oath. 

The calendar was quite a large one for a new county, there 
being thirty-nine civil cases and five criminal. There was a grand 
jury at this term, but there seems to be no record of only four of 
its members. They were Matthias Shoup, David Moore, A. W. 
Sanderlin and J. R. Middle- 
baugh. The following were 
the first jury in the county 
to hear and determine the 
first case tried in District 
court: Howard C. Shober, 
W. N. Sarvis, Peter O'Brien, 
J. S. Harris, N. H. Pahner, 
H. A. Schulrz, F. A. Goudy, 
Edward Ryder, Marvin Cal- 
kins, Geo. H. Gould, Albert 
Jessup and lohn C. Sioner. 
Other jurors snuinioned and 
iii attendance were D. L, 
Ci.dwalader, N. F. Bates, 
J. H. Van Can;). S. A. 
Din^itnick, E. J. Quinn and 
VVm. Little. 

Among the witnesses in attendance were John Newell, W. C. 
Wooley, C. S. Smith, Eli Johnson, J. C. Canode and S. R. Meigs. 
The first civil case tried was that of Sarah E. Downey vs A. E. Van 
("amp involving some question as to Highmore town lots. The at- 
torneys were L. E. Whitcher and J. B. Kelley for plaintiff and C. 
H. Price and D. A. W. Perkins for defendant. The next civil case 
tried was J. C. Stewart vs. A. H. Hayden, in which case the jurors 
were unable to agree. These were the only civil cases tried to a 




L. E. WHITCHER 








RESIDENCE OF L. E. WHITCHER, HIGHMORE, S. D. 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



57 



jury during the term. The only criminal case tried was The Terri- 
tory vs Alexander Mitchell. The attorneys were C. H. Price and 
D. A. W. Perkins for the prosecution and A. N. Van Camp and 
JohnT. Blackemore for defendant. The jury fomd the defendant 
not guilty. Other cases on the calendar were disposed of by de- 
murrer, dismissal or reference. The entire cost of the term to the 
county for court room, bailiffs, stenographer, jurors, witnesses be- 
fore the grand jury, and clerk of 
court was about eight hundred 
dollars. 

We do not care to continue the 
court record. We desired only 
as a matter of early history to 
mention our first term. We will 
add, however, that the next term 
following the first one was held 
in October, 1886. No court was 
held in 1887, but tlieie was a term 
in Oct. 1888, and then the next 
term was not until December, 
1891. Since then we have had 
court each year and now have 
two terms in the spring and fall, 
under a law passed by the legis- 
lature of 1907 introduced by our 

n,eml)er, lohn H. Wooley. Of the Judges who have held court in 
Hyde County, Sjward S nith was the first, who was appointed by 
President Arthur, we then being under a Territorial form of govern^ 
ment. F( llowing Mr. Smth,LouisK. CI. u ch, who was appointed by 
President Cleveland, held court in 1886. He retired from the bench 
and was succeeded by James F. Spencer, who was also appointed 
l)\ President Cleveland and was the last one of our Territorial 
Jiidj^es. Judge H. G. Fuller was the first elected judge after the 




M. C. CUNNINGHAM 



58 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



stHte jj^oveniineiit of South Dakota, and the name of the court was 
then chanided from District to Circuit court. Juci.ire Fuller held his 
first teri,. in Decemher, 1890. Havinjj: been elected (^n the Supreirie 
Conrt bench, he he-Id his la'^t term of court in Hyde County in De- 
cember, 1893. He was succeeded by Jud^e Loren E. Gaff\ , who in 
1906 was follon'ed by Lyman T. Boucher, who is our present Circuit 
Judire. The local attorne\s now residing in Hyde County in active 

])ractice are A. N. V^an Camp, L. 
E. Whitcher, M. C. Cunnin^jham. 
M. Harry O'Brien, C. E. Noel, 
L. M. Morris, Royal C. Johnson, 
Eli Johnson and D. A. W. Perk- 
ins, thouirh Mr. Perkins and Mr. 
Johnson have abcuit retired from 
practice. Of the attorneys in 
former years, Charles H. Price 
died in Indiana, G. L. F. Robin- 
son at Hi|d:l:ntore, M. G. Sinon at 
Pierre; Titus E. Price is a prom- 
inent lawyer at Yankton, E. S. 
Martin resides at Superior, W^is- 
consin, John 1. Blakemor-c at 
Birmingham, Alabama. 

The courts and lawyers are 
quite a part of governmental 
machinery, and while the law is regarded as a science, something 
which adjusts upon principle and precedent, the jarring elements of 
society, yet it is often used by some in attempting to perpetrate an. 
injustice. A client who consults a lawyer, does not always want to 
know so much what the law is, but how it can be used for his par- 
ticular benefit. 

While law has been defined by one eminent writer as a rule of 
action, given by the majority which the minority are bound to obey, 




M. HARRY O'BRIEN 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



59 



Still, a stuiJent in process of examination for admission to the bar, 
upon being- asked what the law was, stated, it whs that which 
was boldly asserteci, and most plausibly maintained. 

Lawyers as a class are bread in their make-up, and are free from 
personal bickerings. Of cour-e there occasionally drifts into the 
profession so ne iiisi.jni icant shyster, who br.^atiie^ not the at- 
mosphere of fellowship, n or knoxvs the si'j^ni'icancf.' of professional 
ethics, but the rule is, th. t they 
are fraternally engaged in the 
anahsis of a science, whose prin- 
ciples they api)ly to the contro- 
versies of men, for the settlement 
and adjustment of their differ- 
ence. 

Lawsuits sometimes disclose 
Some peculiar phases of human 
natnre. Al<mg in 1885 the coal 
station of the Northxv stern rail- 
road wascont iiinalU' i-ol)bed of its 
contents b>- some parties un- 
known {() the company. Mr. 
Perkins was then County Attor- 
ney and was appealed to by the 
company to prosecute, and the 
County Attorney notified them 

that he would not act as a detective, but was ready and willing to 
act if the criminal was named and the evidence furnished. Soon 
the name of a party was furnished, along with the required evidence 
to convict. Complaint was filed before Justice Stoner, the warrant 
was issued and the party arrested. At the trial he plead not guilty, 
and his attorney, J. T. Haight, called for a jury which vvas soon em- 
panelled. The evidence consisted of the testimonv of several eye 
witnesses to the theft, which was produced, and the state rested its 




ELI JOHNSON 



6o 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



case The county attorney then asked Mr. Haight if he had any 
testimony, who replied that he had one witness, and then called the 
defendant himself. Mr. Haight asked him one question, "Did you 
steal that coal as charged in the information?" The answer was, 
"I did," and then the sagacious lawyer for defendant with the air 
of a conqueror, turned the witness over to the County Attorney, but 
the attorney, having no questions to ask, the defense rested. The 

jury were out long enough to take 
one ballot, and returned a verdict 
of "not guilty." This verdict be- 
ing somewhat surprising, the pre- 
sumption was that the jurors 
themselves had all been in the 
same kind of coal business, but as 
theie were a few of them good 
men and true above suspicion, it 
WHS afterwards stated by some of 
then', that when defendant swore 
that he had stolen the coal they 
did not believe him, for he was 
such a notorious liar it was im- 
possible for him to tell the truth, 
that he would lie on time when 
he could get cash for the truth. 
A replevin suit was brought in 
Justice Court in which the plaintiff sought to recover from the de- 
fendant one mirror, one cigar case, one hog trough and a r<^frigera- 
tor. The plaintiff kept a hotel here and the defendant had the re- 
putation of running a "bind pig" liquor joint. After the evidence 
was in the jurx retired for deliberation, and after beiiig out an hour 
or two it was found there was prospect of disagreement. We do not 
know who all the jur\nien were, but among them were Harry Pilk- 
ington and John Wooley. The^e two had made arrangements to 




L. M. MORRIS 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



6i 



go to Miller on the afternoon train along with some others of our 
people and it was imperative that they should go. The train was 
about due and what was to be done? The Justice would not dis- 
charge them, nor adjourn the deliberations for another day, nor 
could thev agree. Then jurymen Pilkitigton and Wooley got their 
heads together and finally said to the rest of them, boys we have to 
;^() to Miller, let us do this; give the defendant the hog trough and 




FINE RESIDENCE OF THE LATE S. R. MEIGS. HIGHMORE. S. D. 



ihe refrigerator, for he needs them in his business; give the mirror 
and the cigar case to the woman for she needs them in her business, 
find then divide the costs between them. The other jurymen in 
s\ nipathy with these restless two said it was a go, and the verdict 
was written accordingly. Just then the train whistled, the verdict 
was rushed in before the justice, and the jury discharged. Th .^ jus- 
tice, who has the reputation of having a good knowled^2:e of the law 
and of being fair minded, come to the conclusion after the two jury- 



62 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



men had gone, that the verdict was an irregular one, but the par- 
ties to the case settled any question as to that by each taking the 
property awarded to them, and each paying his share of the costs, 
so that after all the jurymen were satisfied they had arrived at a 
solution of the differences between the litigants, though done in a 
hurry and to accommodate two of their number. 

Along in the summer of 1887 one Sander Olson was arrested by 

Sheriff S. R. Meigs upon the 
charge of murder. He lived with 
his family in Chapelle township 
and while in Highmore purchased 
at the drug store a bottle of 
whiskey with strychnine mixed 
in it. He took the bottle home, 
laid it away in his trunk, locked 
the trunk, and this was known to 
his wife, who was in the habit of 
going to the trunk and taking a 
drink of it, of which her husband 
was aware. After Olson had 
placed the strychnine whiskey in 
his trunk and had gone to bed, 
Mrs. Olson got the key out of his 
pants pocket, unlocked the trunk 
drank the poisoned whiskey and died before morning. The charge 
of murder was based upon these facts and the prosecution contend- 
ed that the poison was put in the whiskey, he knowing that his wife 
would pursue her usual custom of taking a drink from the bottle, 

A preliminary hearing was had upon the charge of murder be- 
fore Justice Stoner, A. N. Van Camp, then County Attorney, ap- 
pearing for the state, and D. A. W. Perkins for the defendant, 
Olson. After hearing the testimony the Justice bound the defend- 
ant over to the Circuit Court for trial. Now follows the tragic 




S. R. MEIGS 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



63 



ending of the case. On the day following the hearing the defend- 
ant, Olson, desiring to pay his attorney a retainer in the case and 
having no money, requested the sheriff and Mr. Perkins to go with 
him to his farm and have the sheriff pick out a few head of his stock 
of the value of one hundred dollars. This was done and the at- 
torney took charge of four of the critters as a retainer. That night 
Olson was left as usual in the jail cell and the sheriff went to his 
home. In the morning, Mr. 
Meigs went as usual to the jail 
with the prisoner's breakfast, but 
he was horrified upon his first 
glance to see poor, unfortunate 
Olson hanging by the neck, dead. 
He had torn the blanket into 
strips, made a rope, pkced it 
around his neck, fastened it to 
the ceiling, and done the deed. 
There was not a certainty that 
Olson was really a murderer, 
though the evidence which was 
circumstantial, pointed that 
way, and was no doubt sui^cient 
to justify the Justice in binding 
him over. In this connection 
there has followed strange hap- 
penings. When Harry Pilkington was deputy sheriff under Mr. 
Tibbs he placed a prisoner in the cell for keeping. After a night's 
stay there he told Mr. Pilkington that during the night he heard 
most unearthly noises, and had seen white rats scampering about 
the floor, and these things kept on every night during his incarcera- 
tion. After that Mr. Pilkington placed in the cell the fellow 
O'Brien, who broke into McLaughlin's store, and O'Brien made the 
same complaint as the former prisoner, and we understand that 




G. w. McLaughlin 



64 



HISTORY OF HYDP: COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



others since have heard the same noises. The officer does not and 
sh(ni](l not tell a prisoner of tlie hanging, as one of a sensative 
nature would suffer almost death itself there confined, and these 
noises in connt-ction wiih the hair^ing" we leave to the psychologist. 
Ill the eighties the bar of Hyde county was quite extensive, for 
there were twelve lawyers, tour of whom are still here If a book 
could be written giving in detail the numerous and various law 

cases and their incidents which 
arose during that tinrie ii would 
be worth the reading. G. L. F. 
Robinson was Justice of the Peace 
during most of that period, and 
it is a wonder that the old gen- 
ileman held out so long as he 
did, when we consider the num- 
ber of refractory and combative 
aw\ers who practiced before his 
court, with their multiplicity of 
pleadings and worst of all, as 
Whittier has it, their endless 
'.ongues. Sometimes a law book 
would be shied across the room 
from one to the other, and a fel- 
lows head was in more danger 
than at the Donybrook fair, 
Once over some mysterious act on the part of the lawyers or the 
audience Justice Kuhii son cleared the room, turned out the whole 
push and dismissed both sides of the case, leaving the litigants and 
the law>ers to tight it out among themselves. But aftei all most of 
the lawyers were pioticient in their profession and were good fel- 
lows, but the litigation was apt to be over some petty and frivolous 
matter. 

Lawyer Whitcher in a case not long ago before the land depart- 




I 



A. N. GERHART 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



65 



ment at Washington was confronted with the question as to wheth- 
er he had the authority to be a practitioner there. The Commis- 
sioner wrote to the chent that there was no record of Mr. Whitcher's 
admission, and that in order to go on with the matter an admitted 
attorney must conduct the case. This required Mr. VVhitcher to 
take a hand in it himself. He prepared and sent to the departnietit 
a voluminous statement and injected into it C()iisi(hral)le matter in 
his own peculiar fashion 
along the line of wit and 
rebuke and now and then an 
anecdote for the purpose of 
illustration. He wound up 
with copies of certificates, 
several of them showing his 
admission to the South Da- 
kota bar before Judge Ed- 
gerton in November, 1882, 
his admission afterwards be- 
fore t h e State Supreme 
Court, before the Court of 
Claims, the United States 
Supreme Court, the United 
Siates Circuit Court, and 
last a certificate of practice 
before the land department 

issued to him in 1884. When these evidences of his right to prac- 
tice there reached the Commissioner he lost no time in giving im- 
mediate recognition to one of our pioneer lawyers as a practitioner 
in his department and was surprised after his name had ap- 
peared on the papers of hundreds of cases and for many years that 
at this late day it had been said he must be admitted in order to go 
on with the case. 

We will now mention more particularly the individual mem- 




MRS. O. L. WHITCHER 



66 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



bers of the Highmore bar. 

ANDREW N. VAN CAMP 

Mr. Van Camp was born on his father's farm in Muscatine 
county, Iowa, Dec t8, 1850, and remained there doing a farm boy's 
work and attending the district school until he entered upon a more 
advanced system of studies with a view to the legal profession. He 
later entered the Ioah State University, and graduated from the 

law department in June, 1871, 
and at once settled at Wilton 
Junction, Iowa, first forming a 
;)artnership with D. A. W. 
Perkins, which continued until 
Mr. Perkins moved to O'Brien 
county, Iowa, in 1872. In t. e 
spring of 1882 Mr. Van Camp 
had some business at Northwest- 
ern Iowa, and upon the train met 
Mrs. Lucinda Robinson, who was 
on her way to Hyde county and 
his conversation with Mrs. Rob- 
inson led him to believe that her 
place of destination was worth 
looking into, and accordingly he 
gathered ten of his friends to- 
gether, and they landed here on 
June 1st, 1882. Several of the party remained, among them his 
hnMhers, A. E. and Harry, also James Ingram. Mr. Van Camp re- 
mained here during the summer, and in the fall returned to Wilton 
Junction, and closed up his business, and came permanently to 
Hyde county in the spring of 1883 and has remained ever since. He 
b(-came a lawyer in Iowa and tried cases there before he was 
twenty-one years of age, but however inefficient he may have been 
then l\' lack of experience, he iias made good in the years that 




L. M. HANSON 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



67 



followed. Mr. Van Camp has a large business, is quite aggressive 
as a trial lawyer and is generally sure to have the last word. He 
has been quite a student and has acquired a good knowledge of the 
law, and has a good library. He has recently erected a lar^e, hue 
brick building in Highmore, which we show on another page, in 
which is his residence, his law office, and also the telephone office 
of which line he is the manager. Mr. Van Camp was one of the 
organizers of our Methodist church, and has always been an active 
member, and in the dark days 
of its existence has been the 
main prop. He is also a mem- 
ber of the A. O. U. W. and of 
the Masonic lodge. 

LEWIS E. WHITCHER 

Lewis E. Whitcher, along with 
A. N. Van Camp and Mr. Perk- 
ins, is a pioneer lawyer, that is, 
became to Hyde county in 18:^2 
the same year the other two 
came, though later in the season 
Mr. Whircher studied law in New 
Hampshire, principally in the 
office of Austin E. Pike, who was 
a lawyer eminent in his profes- 
sion and who for a time was a 
United States Senator. After a 

few years study, Mr. Whitcher, feeling that he was qualified for 
practice, came west and landed in South Dako^^a, and for awhile 
was in the office of Governor Ordway as Yankton, came to Hyde 
comity in the fall of 1882, and was admitted to the bar before Judge 
Edgerton in November, 1882. He has a good practice anr everv 
term nf court has a large list of cases on the calendar, is vigorous 
in his prosecution of cases and persistent when he defends. Mr, 




FRANK DREW 



68 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



Whitcher is City Attorney and has been lor several years and has 
taken strong ground in favor of city cleanliness, and of good order, 

MATTHEW C. CUNNINGHAM 

Matthew C. Cunningham was born in Black Hawk county, 
Iowa, about forty years ago. After being well fitted by an academ- 
ic education he commenced the study of law and was graduated 
from the Iowa University of Law at Iowa City in the state of Iowa 
in 1896. He opened a law office at Highmore in 1900 and has 
established a large practice. He is a man of quiet demeanor, all 
methods of bluffing or brow beating are entirely foreign to his nat- 
ure yet he is firm and stubborn 
in his position when once taken. 
He is a hard student, always 
poring over his books and papers 
and when he has a case he knows 
all about it. 

CHARLES E. NOEL 

Mr. Noel was born in New 
Sharon, Ohio, in 1876. He came 
to Iowa some years later, enter- 
ed Penn College at Oskaloosa, 
Iowa, and graduated from that 
institution. He then took up 
the study of law and was grad- 
uated from the State University 
at Iowa City, Iowa, in 1906, was admitted to the bar in Iowa, and in 
South Dakota in 1906; that same year opened a law office in High- 
more. Along with his law practice he has established an abstract 
office. Mr. Noel has a good share of the legal business of the coun- 
ty, as a trial lawyer looks well after the interest of his client, and 
has a good knowledge of the law. 




Emma Hirsch and M»s. Mary Hirsch-Hanson 



Mr. Morris graduated 



L. M. MORRIS 

from the law 



department of the Iowa 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



69 



State University, practiced law in Iowa and came here in 1896, and 
has been associated with Mr. Noel m the law business, also doing 
abstract work. He is a brilliant lawyer and good before a jury, 

M. HARRY O'BRIEN 

H. Harry O'Brien was born in LaSeur county. Minnesota, in 
1877. He was raised on a farm and lived there with his parents 
until about seventeen years of age. Later he studied for awhile in 
St. Paul at the Minnesota College 
of Law, and afterwards studied 
in the ofBce of Judge Andrews at 
Mankato, Minn., and was ad- 
mitted to the bar at Pierre, S. D., 
before the Supreme Court at their 
April term in 1904 and at once 
settled in Highmore, where he 
has a lucrative practice. Mr. 
O'Brien is quick in perception, 
alert in the trial of cases, and 
well prepared to meet his antag- 
onist. He resides at Highmore 
with his wife and baby. 

ELI JOHNSON 

Eli Johnson is a lawyer by 
profession, though he has not 
kept at the practice as his life 

work and as he intended to do when he started out. He studied 
law in Washington county, Ohio, with Knowells & Loomis and 
later on was a partner in the firm. He afterwards moved to Cher- 
okee, Iowa, where he resided until his removal to Highmore in 
1883, He was a member of the legislature in Iowa from Cherokee 
County District composed of several counties in 1866 and 7. Mr. 
Johnson since he has been here has tried some cases and his most 
effective forte is his talk to a jury. Being a man well informed and 




J.E. HOLLANDER. 



70 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



of a versatile mind, he calls into play a fund of philosophy of cor- 
relative matter applicable to his case and gives the jurors something 
to think about. One of our citizens, a friend of Mr. Johnson, was 
arrested for some crime and tried in Clark county this state and Mr. 
Johnson went there to defend him. His opponent was S. H. Elrod, 
afterwards governor, and Mr. Elrod told the writer of Mr. John- 
son's speech to the jury, and said that the astute lawyer was soi 

wound up in sympathy for his 
friend he actually shed tears, and 
established in the minds of the 
jurors the fact that there was no 
intent to crime and hence no. 
crime was committed. His client 
was acquitted. Mr. Johnson is 
now State's Attorney. 

ROYAL C. JOHNSON 

Royal C. Johnson, a son of the 
present State's Attorney Eli 
Johnson, was born in Cherokee, 
Iowa, in 1882 and came with his 
parents upon their removal to 
Highmore in 1883. He attended 
the public school at Highmore, 
and later on was at Yankton Col- 
lege from which place aftei three years study he attended the Uni- 
versity of South Dakota at Vermillion, and graduated from the law 
department theie in 1906, and upon the proper certificates was ad- 
mitted by the State Supreme Court. He soon after opened a law 
office at Highmore and is now assistant State's Attorney and at- 
tends to the active duties of that office. Mr. Johnson is voung yet' 
in the practice, but has tried many cases in the courts and has 
shown his fitness, and being a student his fuither experience will no 
doubt commmand for him a good clientage. 




II 



ROYAL C. JOHNSON 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



71 



In 1882 or 3 John P. Organ and John P. Kelly established a 
law office in Highmore, but they did not long remain for the pros- 
pects then were not inviting. Mr, Kelly died a few years ago in 
New York state, and Mr, Organ is now a prominent attorney at 
Council Bluffs, Iowa. 

In May, 1886, the lawyers of Hyde county formed a bar asso- 
ciation. There were present G. L. F. Robinson, A. N. Van Camp, 
John T. Blakemore, M. G. Sinon, 
John L. Greer, Homer James 
and J. L. Haight. They elected 
officers, met a few times, but the 
organization soon faded away, and 
vse have not heard of it for many 
years. Perhaps their many con- 
flicts in local courts created an 
individual belligerency which left 
a fraternal gathering among 
them entirely out of question. 

On another page will be seen 
H. H. Horner, a lawyer of 
Pierre, which was placed there 
upon the writer's request, as Mr. 
Horner is an early settler in the 
Capital city and has attended 

about every term of court here from the first, and is a lawyer of 
promise and of much legal ability. We were also pleased to have 
Judge L. E. Gaffy under the court heading, for he is very popular 
in Hyde county with the bar and the people, and known to be an 
able and conscientious jurist, and who kept things moving is his 
court without any waste of time. 

THE COURT HOUSE 

While the first term of court was held in 1885 in a rented build- 
ing, the next term was held in the court house. An effort was made 




J. S. HARRIS 




DAVID MOORE 



% 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 73 

to have a court house in 1885. April 6, 1885, the County Board 
authorized an election to be held May 12, 1885, to vote upon the 
proposition to issue bonds in the sum of fifteen hundred dollars to 
build court house and jail. Notice of election was given and on 
that day there were cast 456 votes as follows: For court house 114, 
against 342. The next move was made in Oct. 1885, when the 
County Board ordered an election to be held November 3, 1885, up- 
on the proposition to issue bonds in the sum of $7,000, to build a 
court house and jail. The result of that election was 263 votes for 
and 184 against. That election having determined the question in 
favor of a court house, E. O. Parker offered to the County Board 
Block 7 in Parker's Town of Highmore as a court house site, up- 
on the consideration of one dollar. A. E. Van Camp offered to the 
Board, Block 14 of Van Camp & Old's Addition to Highmore upon 
the same consideration of one dollar. The Board accepted the of- 
fer of Mr. Van Camp, and appointed a committee to investigate 
the title, which committee performed their duty and reported that 
the title Wris perfect, upon which Mr. Van Camp and wife executed 
to the county a quit claim deed of the block mentioned. As a part 
of this deed there was a reverting clause which reads as follows: 
"Said interest hereby conveyed to revert to grantor unless said 
second party builds a court house and jail on said block within one 
year from this date, and uses and maintains the same for county 
[)urposes, and if at any time said block ceases to be used lor said 
purposes, the interest hereby shall revert, and this instrument shall 
be deemed null and void." It is the opinion of the writer that the 
county should place a court house on that black, which is a valuable 
piece ot property, unless this is done the courts are liable to reveit 
it to its original owner. 

They advertised for plans and specifications, and for bids to 
put up the court house and jail. Plans and specifications were pre- 
pared and hied, and bids were filed to be opened on a certain day. 
Oil that day it was found that the lowest bid, and which was ac- 




HYDE COUNTY'S FIRST COURT HOUSE, BURNED JUNE 20. 1892. 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 75 

cepted, was by Auj^^ust Carlson and James Jackson of Ree Heights, 
who constructed the building at the contract price, being $4,475, and 
finished it June 16, 1886. 

Thomas Kane & Co. were given the contract for Court House 
furniture at $215, and Mosler Bahman & Co. for jail with one cell, 
two vault doors and three window grates for $1700. The Court 
house contractors were also paid $270 for extras. That Court 
house was burned Jwne 20, 1892, and by the fire many of the Court 
house papers were also destroyed. The Commissioners' record 
does not seem to mention the authority by which they took posses- 
sion of the building now used and occupied as a court house, but 
they took charge of the building at once after the fire, and April 14, 
1893, they entered into a contract with A. N. Gerhart to purchase 
the ground and the building, being lot 17, block 3, Van Camp's first 
addition to Highmore, together with adjoining lots belonging to the 
Phoenix hotel property, for the consideration of $2700. 

The deal was soon after closed and the county acquired title to 
the building and grounds now used as the County Court house. 
The Board then provided for vaults and other necessary fixtures in 
order to place the property in good condition for use. 

July 4, 1886, there was a large gathering at the Court house for 
the double purpose of celebrating the day, and formerly presenting 
the Court house as a building to the people of the county, by the 
board of County Commissioners. A. E. Van Camp as chairman of 
the board made the presentation S')eech, and as his speech is pre- 
served in the Bulletin we partly quote from it as follows: 
"Mr. President, Ladies and Gentleiiien: 

As chairman of the board of Co'intv Commissioners I was noti- 
fied that I would be expected t(^ make a speech. 

Now ir happens that I am like Aaron of old inasmuch as I am 
not given to talking, so if anyone exi)ects a lengthy discourse I fear 
the\' will be disappointed. I will confine myself chiefly to a brief hist- 
or> of the county. Hyde County's first settlement dates back four 




OUR PRESENT COURT HOUSE 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



n 



years ago. Four years ago today the first plat was placed on file. 
Although our number was small, still we felt the same glow of 
patriotism burning within us and we celebrated the first national 
anniversary within the county with as much enthasiasin if n(3t as 
much noise as if we had numbered by hundreds. Dinner was 
served under a few rough boards, one end placed on the r(3i)f of the 
old railroad coal shed where now stands the Van Dusen ware house, 
the other end resting on a wagon. 
We ate our pie and cakes and 
chank our lemonade straight." 
(Here Mr. Van Camp gives a de- 
tailed history of the county an ! 
its organization, and then closes 
his remarks as follows: "Beft)re 
presenting this building I will re- 
mark that the amount of bonds 
issued to erect this court h.);i ^e 
and jail called for $7000. h 
seems so small an amount [^^v 
which it was to be applied liiar 
the board was at a loss how to se- 
cure the best result. After due 
deliberation and careful planning- 
a way was devised. I feel proud 
to say that the builaing commit- 
tee consisting of Moore, Murph\', and Crose have not only done jus- 
tice to the tax payers of Hyde county, but credit to themselves, 
knowing they have had the interest of the county uppermost in all 
their transactions, and now, fellow citizens and tax [)ayers of Hyde 
county and members of the bar, in behalf of the CMiity b > ird I 
take pleasure in presenting this builciiiu to you, hoping ih.it 
through the coming years and so lo;,-- as its walls umv stand, tliat 
Justice may be meted out alike to the rich an! the poor. T..anking 




JAMES BARBER 




JOHN E. CAMPBELL AND WIFE 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 79 

you, ladies and gentlemen, for your close attention, the balance of 
the day is yours." 

Until such a time as we had a permanent Court house the 
county board provided rooms for the county officers in different 
parts of the town. At their meeting November 29, 1884, they se- 
lected the upper floor of the Van Camp & Hadley building (since 
burned) for some of the oiBcers, a room in the Everhard bank build- 
ing, recently vacated by the First National Bank, for the County 
Treasurer, and a room in the rear of Haight & Sinon's law oiBce for 
the Register of Deeds. These rooms were so occupied until July i, 
1886, at a rental of $53.00 a month. 



I 
I 



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CHAPTER VI 



SECRET SOCIETIES 

MASONIC 

There is in Highmore one Masonic Lodge — the "Ree Valley 
Lodge A. F. & A. M. This lodge was organized at Highmore Oct. 
22, 1884. The hrst officers were appointed and consisted of the 
following: E. O. Parker, Treasurer; O, Kf^nyon, Secretary; N. F. 
Ba^es, Senior Warden; D. W. Peppel, Junior Warden; L. B. 
Smith, Senior Deacon; S. R. Meigs, Junior Deacon; Stewards, J. F. 
Gowdy and S. G. Trine; A. A. Dibble, Tyler. At this first 
meeting Charles H. Price presided as VVoishipful Master. 

The ledge at that time was small in numbers, as the next meet- 
ing, Nov. 12, 1884, had only nine members present and two visitors, 
but other members were soon added; among them at that early day 
were E. S. Martin, John Newell, Charles P. Svvanson. J, R. Gowdy, 
W. H. Tomlinson and J. C. Blundell. Mr. Price continued as mas- 
ter of the lodge until the Dec. 1886 meeting, when N. F. Bates was 
elected to succeed Mr. Price. Masters of the lodge since Mr. Bates 
are as follows in their respective order: John H. McCord, N. F. 
Bates, C. P. Swanson, H. B. Young, A. E. Van Camp, W. R. 
McDowell, W. E. Reeve, A. E. Van Camp, H. H. Stoner, and \V. 
G. McLaughlin. 

The present officers of the lodge are as follows: 

W. G. McLaughlin Worshipful Master. 

A. E. Van Camp Senior Warden. 

C. H. Drew Junior Warden. 

H. H. Stoufcr Senior Deacon. 

W. W. Yeandle Junior Deacon. 

C. H. Gray Secretary. 

O. C. Kippenbrock Senior Steward. 



82 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



C. W. Trent Junior Steward. 

Wm. Goetchius Tyler. 

S. Drew Treasurer. 

EASTERN STAR 

This lodge is a ladies' auxilliary to the Masonic Lodge, and was 

first regularly instituted at High- 
more on the I2th day of Febru- 
ary, 1903, acting under dispensa- 
tion from the Grand Lodge, and 
so acted until July 7, 1903, when 
it organized as Chapter 68. The 
lod?e was instituted by Grand 
Patron Marshall R. Brown pre- 
siding, assisted by Gertrude 
Briggs of Crescent Chapter No. 
4, and Ora Baldwin of Crescent 
Chapter No. 4 acting as Grand 
Marshall. 

At this meeting the following 
named officers were assigned to 
their respective stations: Mary 
A. Yeandle, Worthy Matron; 
Socrates Drew, Worthy Patron; 
Minnie R. Kippenbrock, Associ- 
ate Matron; C. P. Swanson, Sec. Augusta Gerhart; Treas. Anna M. 
Stoner, Conductress; Harriet E. Swanson, Associate Conductress; 
Abbie Drew, Adah; Martha Drew, Ruth; Georgiana B. Meigs, 
Esther; Clara A. Barnes, Martha; Bessie Meigs, Electa. 

At their 49th regular meeting held in November, 1907, the 
following were elected, and are the present officers for the lodge for 
1908. 

Bessie Meigs Worthy Matron. 

W. G. McLaughlin Worthy Patron. 





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Mr. and Mrs. O, C. Kippenbrock. 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



83 



Abbie Drew Associate Matron. 

Melva L. Angle Treasurer. 

Minnie R. Kippenbrock . Secretary. 

Nannie Harlan Conductress 

Margaret Hemmingson 

Assistant C. nductress. 

ODD FELLOWS 

Highmore Lodge No. 89 
was instituted at Highmore 
May 6, 1886, with the fol- 
lowing named persons as 
charter members: Edgar 
E. Barnes, Charles H. 
Price, John T. Blakemore, 
Joseph W. O'Brien, Francis 
B. Tallman, Joseph A. Pat- 
terson and Phihp Van 
Buskirk. These met the 
District Deputy Grinid Mas- 
ter with some visiting breth- 
ren from Ree Heights, St. C.W.TRENT. 
Lawrence and Miller, at their hall in Highmore, May 11, 1886, and 
proceeded to institute Lodge No. 89. An election was held at this 
meeting and the following offi:ers of the lodge were chosen: 
Charles H. Price, N. G. ; F. B. Tallman, V. G. ; John T. Blakemore, 
Secretary; Joseph O'Brien, Treasurer. The following were ap- 
pointed: Philip Van Buskirk, Inside Guardian; Joseph O'Brien, 
Right Supporter to N. G. 

This order is quite prominent and flourishing in Highmore and 
has for its present officers the following named persons: 

M. H. O'Brien N. G. 

J. B. Ringer V. G. 

James Buchan Secretary. 




84 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



W.B.Hamlin ..Treasurer. 

This order is purely fraternal in its nature, as expressed in its 
motto which is "Friendship, Love and Truth." 

REBEKAH 

This order b^ars the name of 
the "Pride of the West," and 
WHS organized in Highmore 
March 23, 1901, as an auxilliary 
to the Odd Fellow Lodge. The 
first meeting was called to order 
by Etta A. Whiteher acting as 
special deputy Grand, commis- 
sioned by the State Assembly who 
instituted the lodge with the 
following as charter members: 
J. A. Patterson, Mary A. Patter- 
son, J. H. Pilkington, Bertha A. 
l^ilkington, Frankie VVinans, 
Mary E. Winans, Mrs. M. Stoner, 
Florence Stine, Julia Stoner, 
Mrs. Anna Stoner, Geo. C. 
Stoner, James Buchan, Clara 

Tryon, Ge.). Tosh. B M'tha Gerhnrt, VV. N. Van Camp. Mrs. C. P. 

Swanson, I. L. Am^He, Mrs. I. L. Angle, Beraaid Samuels, Mrs. J. 

C. Stoner, Mrs. Sadie Pilkington, and Marion Young. 

The following at this tirst meeting were elected officers: Anna 

Stoner, Noble Grand; Bertha Pilkington, Vice Grand; Mary 

Winans, Secretary; Mattie Little, Treasurer. 

The present officeis of the lodge are as follows: 

Mrs. Nettie L. Welch Noble Grand. 

Miss Ethel Clark Vice Grand. 

Miss Edna Clark Secretary. 

Mrs. R. W. Prry Treasurer 




L. A. HENDRICKS 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



85 



MODERN WOODMEN 

The incorporated name of this order is *'The Modern Wood- 
men of America." It is fraternal in its character with insurance 
benefits, and has a Latin motto which interpreted in Enghsh means 
"For Others' Lives." 

The order was estabHshed in 
Highmore April 6, 1898. Its 
charter members were Ray Bal- 
lard, G. H. Bottcher, G. F. Bran- 
dell, N. L. Calkins, A. H. Ever- 
hard, J. H. Fidey, S. K. 
Gregg, O. C. Kippenbrock, T. H. 
McWeeney, Sam Mason, C. E. 
Leithead, E. J. Quirk, J. H. 
Pilkington, L. Rolewitch, W. E. 
Stewart, G. C. Stoner, J. K. Van 
Camp, A. N. Van Camp, and J. 
H. Wooley. The lodge was or- 
ganized bv J. M. Johnson, and 
its first elected officers consisted DANIEL HALEY 

of the following named persons: Consul, W. N. Van Camp; Ad- 
visor, N. L. Calkins; Banker, A. H- Everhard; Clerk, C. E. 
Leithead; Physician, C. E. Leithead; Watchman, O. C. Kippen- 
brock; Sentry, W. E. Stewart; Managers. J. K. Van Camp, J. H. 
Pilkington and E. J. Quirk. 

This order has a membership now of seventy six. Its present 
officers are; 
Consul G. C. Stoner. 




Ad^ 



C. L. Ford. 



ivisor .... 

Banker Charles Robinson. 

Clerk W. N. Van Camp. 

Escort J.N. King. 

Wa tchman W. H. Tryon 



86 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 






Sentry . J. H. Wooley. 

Managers John Reiser, E. J. Qdirk and G. M. Wells. 

Only one person cotinecteri with the order here has died since 
the organization; that was Edward Dobson. 

DEGREE OF HONOR 

^ The incorporated name of this 

lodge is *'Highmore Lodge No. 
76 Degree of Honor," and is an 
riuxilliary to the Ancient Order 
of United Workmen. It was or- 
ganized at Highmore March 
13, 1901. Its charter membeis 
consisted of the following: Mar- 
garet McCullen, Mary Yeandle, 
Nettie Whitcher, Harriet Swan- 
son, Sarah Lightv, Margaret E. 
Stoner, G. C. Stoner, A. E. Van 
Camp, O. L. Whild, C. P. Swan- 
son, M. E. Miller, A. H. Ever- 
hard, H. D. Ohl, W. W. 
Yeandle, and A. McCullen. 

The lodge was instituted by 
the Grand Chief of Honor Laura 
Comstock, and after organization at their first meeting the follow- 
ing officers were elected: P. C. of H., Nettie Whitcher; C. of H. 
Margaret McCullen; L. of H. Mary A. Yeandle; C. of C, Sarah 
Lighty; Recorder, Harriet Swanson; Financier, Margaret E. Stoner. 
At the following meeting to complete the list of officers the follow- 
ing were appointed: Receiver, Katherine Gilligan; Lady Usher, 
Atta Ohl; Inside Watch, Jane Ohl; Outside Watch, A. E. Van 
Camp. - 

This Lodge has now a membership of sixty-seven, it meets once 
each month and is fraternal in its character with insurance. Its 



CHARLES SVIITH. 



4 



1 



I 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



87 



present officers are as follows: 

P. C. of H Alice Meigs 

C. of H . , Harriet Swanson 

L. of H Mary A. Yeandle 

C. of C Florence Walker 

Recorder Bessie Meigs 

Financier Nannie Harlan 

A. o. u. w. 
The above signifies the "An- 
cient Order of United Workmen" 
The applicants for a charter for 
a subordinate lodge of this order 
met at the Odd Fellows Hall in 
Highmoreon the evening of Oct. 
8, 1887. Deputv Grand Master 
James 1. Hoiitz called the meet- 
ing to order and presided. John 
T. Blnkemore was appointed 
Rt-conler and Financier pro tem. 
The charter members consisted 
ol ihe following jiamed persons: 
Mathias Becker, John T. Blake- 
more, Henrv VV. Brace, Francis 
W. Gustin, John L. Greer, Fred H. HEMMINGSON 

VV. Goudv, Lewis C. Hadley, Jacob T. Haight, John Mayer, Syl- 
vanus R. Meigs, Martin G. Sinon, Abram E. Van Camp, Andrew N. 
Van Camp, Frank Wareham, Fred J. Wareham, and George H. 
VVareham. It was voted that the Lodge should be "Union." The 
tollowing persons were elected as its first (jffice.s: Past Master 
Workman, A. N. Van Camp; Master Workman, J. T. Haight, 
Foreman, H. W. Brace; Overseer, L. C. Hadle\'; Financier, J. L. 
Greer; Receix'er, M. G. Sinon; Recorder, J. F. Blakemore; Guide, 
Fred W.Goudy ;Inside Watchman, Fre 1 J . vVareham ;Otitsi(le Watch- 




HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



man, F. J. Gustin; Trustees, S. R. Meigs, George H. Wareham and 
Matthias Becker. 

The emblem of this order is the Anchor and Shield. 
The following persons are its present officers: 

M. W L. W. Carter 

Foreman I. M. Burnside 

Overseer A. McCullen 

Recorder A. E. Van Camp 

Financier M. E. Miller 

Receiver S. Drew 

Guide . . H. C. Harris 

I. W A. Derek 

O. W H. D. Ohl 

Trustees, G W. McLaughlin, S. 
Drew, H, C. Shober. 

KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAS 

This order has been established 
in Highmore but recently. A 
meetinsf of those who made peti- 
tion to the Grand Lodge was 
held February lo, 1908, and was 
called to order by Grand Chan- 
celor Warren, who announced 

Mrs. James Barber and children. that it WaS his purpOSe to insti- 

tute Highmore Lodge No. 88, Knights of Pythias, of the domain of 
South Dakota. The folLwing constitute the charter members: 
Geo. L Havens, Frank N. Harlan. L. A. Hendricks, L. M. Hanson 
J. H. Irwin, A. L. Lamos, B. M. Mitchell, M. E. Melton, A. McCul- 
len, W. V. Osborn, John B. Perkins. R. B. Rockwell, H. H. Stoner 
Geo. C. Stoner, L. A. Sherer, K. M. Sackett, G. W. Walker, A. 
Bordner, A. G. Button, L. E. Cummings, J. Earl Core, John Irwin, 
L. E. Friars, James Buchnn, John E. Campbell, C. H. Drew, C. 
H. Gray, J. E. Hollander, H. W. Hamilton, M. H. Harter. H. P. 




HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



89 



Hemmingson, Jack Moore, John T. Melbourne, Gary C. Neff, G. A. 
Stout, J. H. Pilkington, J. G. Stoner, Jr., G. G. Sheen, S. Van 
Gamp, Frank Volek, W. E. Beaver. Mervin McLaughUn, Royal G. 
Johnson, E. J. Quirk, and G. G. Walker. 

Part of the above were members by card, and others, the ranks 
were conferred upon them that evening. 

The following are the present officers of the Lodge: 

Geo. L. Havens G. G 

L. A. Hendricks V. G. 

John B. Perkins ..Prelate 

G. H. Gray M. of W. 

L. A. Sherer K. of R.&S. 

R. B. Rockwell M. of F. 

G. H. Drew M. of E. 

J. H. Pilkington M. at A. 

H. P. Hemmingson I. G. 

James Buchan . . . . O. G. 

Representaives to Grand Lodge, 
L. E. Gummings and Geo. C. 
Stoner. 

ROYAL NEIGHBORS 

A sufficient number of signers 
were obtained to apply for char- 
ter of a Lodge of ''Royal Neigh- 
bors" of America" in Highmore, 

the first meeting of which was held March 31, 1906, in the record of 
which it is designated as Camp No. 4437. The meeting was called 
to order by Eva E. Williams, Deputy Supreme Oracle, and Maude 
Jones WRS appointed temporary recorder, when the names of sign- 
ers to the charter were accepted as members. An election of offi- 
cers was then held, which resulted as follows: 

Bertha Pilkington Oracle 

Margaret Van Gamp . . .Vice Oracle 




JOE ARTZ 



90 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



Jennie Reiser Past Oracle 

Lora Reiser. . . . , ,. , • Chancellor 

Ella Van Camp ^, . . . . ./; . ., . . Recorder 

Grace Traver Receiver 

Maude Jones .Marshal 

Minnie Young .Assistant Marshal 

Lucy Cowan • -t^.' Inside Sentinel 

Anna Reha Outside Sentinel 

Managers J. E. Van Camp 

Jennie Reiser and Marie Van 
Camp. 

I. M. Burnside Physician 

The present officers in this 
Lodge are: 

Mvra Ford Oracle 

Lora Wo^ley . . ., . . . . Vice Oracle 
Bertha Pilkington.. .Past Oracle 
Mrs. Jennie Reisqr.^^. . Chancellor 

Ella Van Camp Recordf r 

Bessie Thompson Receiver 

Nellie Quirk ....Marshal 

Emma Bottcher.. .. .1. Sentinel 
Marie Van Camp,..;P. Sentinel 

Managers Charles Robinson 

Jennie Reiser and Reta VanCamp 

MACCABEES 

The local name of this order in Hyde County is. "Highmore 
Tent No. 33." This subordinate lodge was organized December 16, 
1903. hy State Cojim iiuler C. R H ill, and meets the first and third 
Monday of eich montli. Its-ibj-'ct is fraternal and beneficiary. 
The rtrst principal officers of the lodge were H. H. Stoner, Past 
Coinmander, Geo. C. Stoner, Cnrn.n-inder, Bart M. Vliichell, Lie^t, i 
Commander and M. L. McLaughlin, Record Reeper. i^U^i preseiJti 




JAMES BARBER, SR. 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



91 



officers are: 

J. V. Atwood , . Commander 

Arthur Yeandle Lieut. Commander 

G. C. Stoner Record Keeper 

The charter members were as follows: H, H. Sroner, G, C. 
Stoner, B. M. Mitchell, M. L. McLau^^-hlin, James Volek. H. B.Ohl, 
J. E. Campbell, James Gorey, Ed. Qui. k, John H. Kin-. W. W. 
Yeandle and J. E. Holl- 
ander, 

YEOMAN 

Highmore Homestead No. 
1264 of the Brotherhood of 
American Yeoman was or- 
ganized June 14, 1905, by 
District Manager W. E- 
Cornwall, and the following 
members were adopted. 

H. H, Stoner, H. P. Hem- 
mingson, C. H. Drew, \V. 
L. Qairk, B. F. C >niell, R. 
VV. Reddick, C. O. Crown- 
ingshield, Joseph L. Kiisser, 
Wm. M. Harriiigtf)n, Ira N. 
Keiser, H^u F. Barber, 
James E. Barber, Henry O, 
Lawson, Einma Sherer. 

Social Members—L. A. Sherer, Harry Sunding. 
Admitted by Card— T. W. Gibbs, E. T. Gibbs, R. L. Smith, B. 
M. Smith, Eliza Pierce. 

Officers Elected — Foreman, T. W. Gibbs;Master of Ceremonies 
R. L. Smith; Correspondent, H. P. Hemmingson; Master of Ac- 
counts, C. H. Drew; Physician, Mrs E T. Gibbs; Overseer, L. A. 
Sherer; Watchman, Wm. M. Harrington; Sentinel, B. W. Reddick; 




J. H. WOOLEY 




GATHERING AT ONE OF THE G. A. R. BEAN DINNERS 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



93 



Guard, C. O. Crowningshield; Lady Rowena, Eliza Pierce; Lady 
Rebecca, Emma Sherer. 

Members subsequently adopted: Wm. F. Hodges, Ella J. 
Hodges, Mary Bloomenshine, James W. Taylor, Herman A. Syv- 
erud, Stephen M. Hale, Stella B. Halloway, Paul H. Kruemling, 
Pearl E. Kruemling, Arthur R. Jekyll, Lennie M. Cornell, Edward 
M. Mueller, Edwin J. Winget, Chas. R. Schneider, C. E. Noel. 

Social members elected: Ida 
E. Drew^ Amxh"a Arneson, Ellen 
Arneson. 

Officers for 1908: 

Foreman C. E. Noel, 

M. of C B. F. Cornell, 

Correspondent . . . Emma Sherer, 

M. of A C. H. Drew, 

Phip Ellen Arneson, 

Over eer Amelia Arneson, 



Vv^ atchman . 



. H. A. Syverud, 




Sentinel Stephen M. Hale 

Guard Paul Kruemling 

Lad}' Rowena 

Pearl E. Kruemling 

Lady Rebecca 

Mary Bloomenshine C.E.NOEL 

Regular meeting night, second 
Wednesday of each month. Meeting place, I. O. O. F. hall. 

w. c. T. u. 
This organization was perfected at Highmore in 1884 at the 
house of Mrs. Philena Johnson, and of the charter or original mem- 
bers Mrs. Johnson, alone rem^iins. There are several different 
branches of workj connected with the order, among which is the L. 
T. L. especially for children, also a young women's society. The 
object of this order is not to fight the saloon direct by enforcement 



94 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



of the law, but its system is educational in the way of scientific in- 
struction in schools of the effect of alcoholic liquors upOn the 
human body, and indeed, to impart such instruction to all young- 
and old, not only such liquors used as a beverage, but its use in all 
medical prescriptions. The order here was established by Mrs. 




MRS. P. E. JOHNSON 

Mary Bradford, of Miller. The aim of this society also is to bring 
about a better condition of society, to establish purity, virtue and 
human kindness, and its work is along all lines that will tend to 
make better men and women. 
Its present officers are 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 95 

Mrs. Anna Robinson President 

Mrs. A. N. Van Camp Secretary and Treasurer. 

H. E. s. A. 
The above letters mean the "Highmore Equal Suffrage Asso- 
ciation" whose president is A. N. Van Camp, Vice President, Mrs. 
John Campbell, Treasurer Mrs. A. N. Van Camp, Secretary Mrs. 
J. Watson. This association has fift}' nine members, and in- 
tends to meet regularly. The association is active in its work, 
and among its prominent members is Mrs. Philena Johnson, who is 
State Superintendent of Franchise and Legislation. 



CHURCHES 

METHODIST 

The first church organization in Highmore was the Methodist 
Church. It was incorporated under the general law of the Terri- 
tory by articles of incorporation dated June i8, 1883, which articles 
provided among other things that there should be trustees to man- 
age its affairs, of numbers not under three and not over nine, and 
that the incorporated name of the organization should be "The 
First Methodist Episcopal Church of Highmore." Article five of its 
incorporation papers provides that F. Henderson, D. S. Warner, 
E. Wisson, A. N. Van Camp, O. C. Cole and A. E. Van Camp act 
as trustees to serve until an election of such officers. On Nov. 5, 
1883, the board of trustees cecided to select the south 15 feet 
of lot 6 and all of lots 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 in Block 13 of Van 
Camp and Olds addition to the town of Highmore, as a site for 
church building and these lots are still church property and are 
the site of the present church building. Arrangements were 
immediately made for the erection of a church building, which 
upon conipletion was dedicated May 3, 1885. The dedication 
exercises were of an impressive character. An able sermon was 
delivered by Dr. Ira M. Pardee;Mrs. Eli Johnson presided at the or- 
gan, and the choir consisted of Mr^. A. N. Van Camp, Mrs. Grant, 




I 



METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH. HIGHMORE. S. D. 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 97 

Mr. G. H. Wareham and Mr. O. P. Everhard, with Fred Gowdj^ 
cornetist. After the exercises there was raised b}^ subscription the 
sum of $1424.18, and it was then announced that the church in- 
debtedness, by the above amount with money from other sources, 
in all about $2500, was fully provided for. On the 15th day of July, 
1885, this church building was entirely destroyed by the cyclone 
which struck Highmore from the north west on that day. That 
was a great hardship to the Methodist people, there being no insur- 
ance and it came so soon after the building had been erected and 
after a generous contribution to pa}' for it, but it was not long be- 
fore the effort began for another building, and while the movement 
was necessarily slow, it was fully accomplished b}- the building of 
the present church, which was dedicated Juh^ 18, 1886. At the 
dedication about $1000 was raised to liquidate the debt, which 
placed the church on a good financial basis. 

Our people were quite liberal in the building of this second 
church, aided by benevolent societies and persons from abroad. 

The following are the names of the pastors in regular succes- 
sion: J. C. Shebland, J. T. Blakemore, J. W. Scott, T. H. 
Garvin, John G. Palmer, A. M. Ward, E. S. Darling, J. W. 
Stokesbury, J. E. Norvell, A. W. Thurston, J. J. Ramsey, C. G. 
Paulson, A. C. Maclean, A. F. Stiles, Charles O. Thibodeau, 
Mr. Snell, J. D. Sparks, H. K. Wallis. 

The present church trustees are B. A. Foote, H. H. Bloomen- 
shine, C. P. Swanson, John McLaughlin, and G. W. McLaughlin. 

The present pastor of the church, H. K. Wallis, graduated 
from Boston College at Boston, Massachusetts, also from George- 
town College in Kentucky. He is a sincere, conscientious man, is 
not narrow in his views, is quite a reader and thinker, and unusual- 
ly entertaining in the pulpit. He has a good congregation, who 
worship in a fine church building with very comfortable conven- 
iences. They have a very fine parsonage property, consisting of 
several lots and a commodious residence building. 



98 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



CATHOLIC 

Catholic Church services were the first of an}^ religious services 
held in Highmore, held at the railroad station, kept b}^ Samuel 
Major. Services were continued here at different residences until 
the completion of the McGlinchy opera house, when thQj were 
held there until their new church building was ready for occupanc5\ 

The church was erected in 1905, and dedicated Tuesday, 
November 20, 1906. Owing to the inability of Bishop Thomas 
O'Gorman of Sioux Falls to have charge of the dedication, the 
Vicar General, Mgr. O'Flynn took charge of the services, as- 




CATHOLIC CHURCH, HIGHMORE, S. D. 

sifted by the following priests: Rev. M. Dermody of Aberdeen, 
S. D., Rev. M. J. Martin of Flandreau, S. D., Rev. D. F. Des- 
m^nrl of Huron, S. ]\, Rtv. Father Cafferky of Bryant, S. D. 
P. T. Cafferky of Bryant, : . D., Rev. Father Stensel of Pierre, S. 




CHRISTIAN CrIURCH. HIGHMORE. S. D. 




tl 



CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. HIGHMORE. S. D. 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA lOT 

D., Rev. Ambrose Mattin^ly of Stephan, S. D. and Rev. Hugh 
Fox, Pastor, of Highmore, S. D. The portrait of Father Fox will 
be seen on another page. 

CHRISTIAN 

The Christian church societ}^ was organized in Highmore July 
25, 1897, with sixty four charter members. They erected a taber- 
nacle in which to worship and hold religious meetings, and which 
was used by them for several 3^ears, but not intended as a perma- 
nent church building. In 1904 the present church building was 
erected and was dedicated August 21, 1904. At that time the church 
had a membership here of one hundred. The present church 
trustees are J. W. Reiser, H. B. Young and C. A. Gray. 

Its first pastor was Rev. G, W. Elliott, who is now pastor of a 
church at Bethany, Neb. The present pastor is Rev. L. W. 
Thompson, who is a well educated man, attractive and forceful in 
the pulpit, and highly respected as a citizen. 

CONGREGATIONAL 

The Congregational church was organized on the first Sunday 
in July, 1883. Its charter members were Mr. and Mrs. E. O. 
Parker, Mr. and Mrs. J. R. Gowdy, Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Harris, Miss 
Emma Hall, Mr. and Mrs. Y. T. Hatch, Miss Lida Hatch, Miss 
Addie Hatch, Mrs. P. E. Johnson, Mrs. W. A. Sargent, Mrs. J. L. 
Greene, Mrs. O. M, Van Swearingen, Miss Bertha Van Swearingen, 
Mr. Andrew Long. Mrs. G. W. Churchill, Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gay, 
Miss Kate Ingalls, Miss Annie Ingalls, Mr. Albert Grant, and Mrs. 
Ann Hazen. 

The first pastor was Rev. O. M. Van Swearingen. The 
Deacons were E. O. Parker, J. S. Harris, and Robert Gay, and the 
Trustees were Y. T. Hatch, John L. Greer, E. O. Parker, Clerk, and 
J. R. Gowdy, Treasurer. 

The church building was dedicated July 21, 1889, by Rev. Coit. 

The present pastor is Rev. J. Watson, who was born in Eng- 




PRESIDING ELDER REV. C. E. HAGER 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



103 



land, and came from London to this country in June, 1905. After 
his arrival he visited with friends in Centerville, and Wakonda, 
South Dakota, and then accept- 



ed a call to the pastorate of the 
Conj^^regational church of Het- 
land, this state. His pastorate 
continued there until the time 
of his resignation, previous to 
his present pastorate at High- 
more, which commenced June i, 
1507. Mr. Watson is an agree- 
able, gentlemanh' man, is a 
thinker and student, his views 
are not narrow or radical upon 
an\^ subject, and his discourses 
are quite entertaining. His wife 
is a pleasant, English born lad\% 
and together they reside in the 
church parsonage. 




REV. J. WATSON 




HIGHMORE'S FIRST SCHOOL HOUSE, NOW THE G. A. R. HALL 



CHAPTER VII 



EDUCATIONAL 

If there is one thing more than another, in which the state of 
South Dakota feels a just pride, it is its system of education, and 
Hyde county is not behind any other in its desire to have the best 
of schools. 

If any boy or girl living in this county grows up to manhood or 
womanhood without a good common school education the fault 
must be charged to the child or the parents, and not to any lack of 
opportunity. 

The bureau of education at Washington has stated the fact to 
be, that South Dakota had the smallest amount of illiteracy of any 
state in the union. Up to 1890 the school system of the county 
was, in a loose way, in keeping with other affairs. 

The office of county superintendent was simply nominal until 
the election of T. E. Price, who took much interest in the schools, 
and from that time on, the office of superintendent became one of 
much importance and since then has been admirably filled. The 
present superintendent, W. N. Van Camp, has taken much interest 
in the schools of the county, and under his administration they 
have materially advanced. 

When the court house burned June 20, 1892, all records of the 
office of county superintendent w^ere~destroyed, and all of the facts 
in regard to the schools prior to this time were given from memory 
by the old settlers. The first school building in Hyde county was 
what is known now as the old Grand Army building, and was lo- 
cated back of where the Congregational church now stands. The 
first teacher was A. W. Furnese. He was followed by Miss Clara 
Gadd, now Mrs. J. E. McDonald. Of the pupils who attended this 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



107 



first term of school in Hyde county nearly all are now scattered 
but of those who attended and are still residents of Hyde county we 
can name Mrs. I. M. Burnside, who was Jessie McDonald, H. A. 
McDonald, who was then known as Harve; they then lived on a 
farm about four miles southwest of Highmore and every da\^ used 
to bring their dinner, as did J. K. Van Camp and W, N. Van Camp 
who served as county superintendent during the years of 1905 and 
1908 inclusive. George C. 

Stoner, later one of the publish- 
ers of the Highmore Herald, was 
also a pupil of Miss Gadd, as 
was Shreve Van Camp, who for 
years has been Deputy Post 
Master of Highmore. Of pupils 
who attended this first school 
and have since moved away we 
can name Don B. Johnson, who 
now resides in Los Angeles, Cali- 
fornia, Annie Patterson, now the 
wife of R. C. Sanders living in 
Pierre, S. D., and Emily Patter- 
son, now Mrs. Ellsworth France, 
living in Wenatchee, Washing- 
ton. 

Several years afterward bonds 
were voted for the erection of a 

two room school house on the site of the present school building 
and the first Principal of the City Schools was Enoch Vernon. He 
was followed in order by W. J. Merriss and W. S. McVey, who is 
still a resident of Hyde County and one of the prosperous farmers 
of Bramhall township. Mr. McVey's assistant was a Miss King, 
who later became his wire. Another early principal of the schools 
was A. J. Leatherman, who was later drowned in the Missouri river 




W N. VAN CAMP 



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lliiili 




HIGHMORE'S PRESENT SCHOOL BUILDING. 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



109 




at Pierre. W. A. Root was prin- 
cipal for the years 1892-3-4-5-6; 
his assistant in 1893 was Miss 
Lizzie Bat^s; his assistant in 
1894-5 was -Mrs. Nettie Welch, 
who is still a resident of H3^de 
county. In 1896 his assistant 
was Mrs. A.J. Beardsley. 

W. G. Jolly was principal of 
the schools for 1897 with Mrs. A. 
J. Beardsley as assistant. 

P. E. Gilligan followed Mr. 
Jolly and had charge of the city 
schools during- 1898-9-00-01. Mrs. 
Beardsley was continued as as- 
sistant during the four years that 
Mr. Gilligan was in charge and in 
the 3'ear 1901 a third room was 
added with Miss Nellie Lesh as teacher. 

In 1902 Bruce McVey was elected principal with Clara Tryon 
and Maud H. Lattn. as assistants. 

In 1903 Mr. McVey was in charge assisted by Maud Jones,Maud 
H. Latta and W. N. Van Camp, a fourth room being added during 
the year on account of the increased attendance. 

The teachers in 1904 were Bruce McVey, principal, with L. A. 
Sherer, Mary A. Hamlin and Alta Swartout, assistants. 

In 1905 F. G. Allen was elected principal with Pauline De 
Lange, Nettie W. Welch and Florence Walker, assistants. 

In 1906 C. R. Buller was elected principal with the following 
assistants: Pauline DeLange, Amy Hahn and Florence Walker. 
Mr. Buller resigned during the year, however, and his term was 
completed by County Sup't W. N. Van Camp. 

F. E. Schmidt was principal for 1907 when an additional room 



ARTHUR YEANDLE 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



II 



was added. His assistants were Pauline DeLange, Gracia Mcln- 
tire, Ethol Lamos and Florence Walker. 

The first teachers in the various rural districts as taken from 
the records since the old school house was burned are as follows: 

Banner, E. R. Shepard; Union, Amy J. Foote, Alice Tryon, 
Etta Belle Morton; Spring Lake, Lotta Russel; Illinois, Mrs. Hattie 
Pidge, Aurlee M. Pettys; Eden, Rose Zemiicka: Washington, Mary 
Mclver, Mrs. Dora C. Stewart, 
Clara Morford; Douglas, Allie 
Simple, Florence Riskemire; 
Vane}^ Mabelle Mason ; Lincoln, 
Mrs. J. W. Beardsley; Bramhall, 
Mrs. A. N. Van Camp,Lora Rob- 
inson, Lois Talbot; Holabird, 
Clara Tryon, A. J. Struble;Lcom- 
is, Mae Quinn; Hughitt, Fannie 
Quirk, Nettie W. Welch; Eagle, 
Etta Barbt: ; Van Order, Bes.ie 
Meigs, W. J. Bottcher; Penr, E. 
J. Qui I n; Dewe}, Rose E. Dur- 
h'r; Convent, E. J. Quinr: Pratt, 
Bessie L. Hill. 

In 1890 the county had 51 
school houses, with a total seat- 
ing capacity of 1440, total number of teachers employed 44, total 
amount paid in teachers wages that 3'ear was $6,369.04. Children 
of school age in the county was 427, total number of children that 
attended school that year was 382, total indebtedness $32,984.45. 

In 1908 the county had 44 school houses valued at $34,275.00, 
with a seating capacity of 1128; number of teachers employed 38, 
number of children of school age 612, total amount paid in teachers 
wa; es $8,576.50, total indebtedness $15,912.13. 

In 1890 there were 18 school districts in Hyde county, each 




Mrs Nettie W. Welch and children 



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HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



"3 



district being ^ Congressional township, Banner, Union, Spring Lake, 
Franklin, Illinois, Eden, Washington, Douglas, Valley, Loomis, 
Lincoln, Wm. Hamilton, Bramhall, Highmore, Holabird, Hughitt, 
Eagle, and Van Order, In 1894 the townships of Peno and Con, 
vgnt were organized as school districts. In 1899 Dewe}' school dis, 
trict was organised, and in 1903 Pratt school township was organ- 
ized. 

The first school officers of the 
various districts as taken from 
the records are as follows; Ban- 
ner — chairman, Lambert Re.zac; 
clerk, Joseph Minnhart', treasurer, 
Albert Lusk, Union — chairman, 
Peter RiggS5 clerk, S, A, Shoff ; 
treasurer, P, H, Zeigler. Franks 
lin— chairman, Christ Larson; 
clerk, Jens Larsenj treasurer, Ar- 
thur Lee, Spring Lake — chair- 
man, James M, Gra}'', clerk, Mary 

E. Holmes 5 treasurer, L, K. 
Christjanson, Illinois— chair- 
rnan, Thomas Strand^ clerk, W. 

F, Pjdge-; treasurer, John M.. Jer-. 
gen, Eden— chairman, Joseph 
Chermakj clgrk, John ^emlicka, 
treasurer, Frank Zemlicka. V^ashington^-chairman, O, P, King; 
clerk, O, O, Hart; treasurer, Chas, Mclver, Douglas— chairman, 
Wm, McGlasham; clerk, T, F, Cody; treasurer, F, G, Kurts, VaL 
Jey— chairman, L, V, Stalnaker; clerk, Irene Feather; treasurer, 
Jacob Becker, Loomis — chairman, Louis Lopp; clerk, Ole O, Lee; 
treasurer, Peter DeWitte, Lincoln^chairrnan, Stephan Moss; 
clerk, J, W, Beardsley; treasurer, Jacob DeWjtte, Wm, Hamilton 
--chairman, Albert Wells; clerk, Geo, M, Wells; treasurer, Geo, 




DR. I, M. BURNSID£ 




H. C. HARRIS AND FAMILY 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



115 



Tosh. Bramhall— ^chairman, J, P, Mabie; clerk, H. D, Ohl; treas- 
urer, D. M. Sarvis. Highmore— chairman, J, A, Sedgwick; clerk, 
H. W. Brace; treasurer, James Barber, Holabird— chairman, Nat 
"Cline; clerk, S, Mason; treasurer, J. S. Harris, Hughett^chair- 
man, G. K. Templar; clerk, J. W. Jones; treasurer, John Quirk, 
Eagle— chairman, E. M. Volz; clerk, J, H. Barnes; treasurer, J. S. 
Messick. Van Order — chairman, Wm. Bottcher; clerk, Fred Sheen; 
treasurer, M, L. Hague. Peno— 
chairman, O, N. Johnson; clerk 
Ben Sorenson; treasurer, S. S, 
Stensrud. Convent— chairman, 
Jrhn Arnoldy; clerk, PiusBoehm; 
treasurer, Simon Kusser. Dewey 
—chairman, Andrew Thompson; 
clerk, G. H. Bottcher; treasurer, 
H. T. Johnson, Pratt — chair- 
man, William Campbell; clerk, 
G. W, Pratt; treasurer, W, C, 
Pratt. 

The Public school system of 
South Dakota is at least the 
equal to that of any other state 
in the union. 

In 1898 a State Course of 
study was adopted and made a 
part of the school law, which insures a uniformity of education 
throughout the state. The common school is divided in eight years 
or grades, and upon the completion of the eight years work, pupils 
in rural districts have their tuition paid in a neighboring High 
school by their home district. 

During the early years it was thought best to have three or 
four schools in each township, but in later years experience has 
demonstrated that by combining all of the pupils in a township that 




J. E. VAN CAMP 



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^^^* 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



117 



a better school could be maintained, so that now in South Dakota, 
as in the more advanced eastern states, the centralized school has 
come to stay. The boys and girls of today little realize the im- 
proved condition of the school system under which they labor of 
what it was 20 years ago; often times then the school house was of 
sod or constructed of rough boards and covered with tar paper; now 
when they take up their daily work in the school room it is generally 
in a nicely painted, modern 
school building, the grounds 
dotted with trees, and in many 
cases over the building floats the 
flag; inside many beautiful pic- 
tures are hung on the wall, also 
a splendid school library, as well 
as numerous apparatus, which 
goes to make the work of ths 
teacher and pupil more pleasant 
and easy. 

The following are the present 
school officers of the count} : 
Banner— chairman, Joseph Men- 
hart; clerk, John Lusk; treasurer. 
Otto B. Enstad. Union— chair- 
man, Mrs. C. A. Seckner; clerk, 
L. E. Schmidt; treasurer, C. 

Christensen. Franklin --chairman, Oscar Olson; clerk, B. F. 
Payne; treasurer, J. W. Meyers. Spring Lake— chairman, Chas, 
Olson; clerk, C. Odegard; treasurer, Arthur Lee. Illinois— chair- 
man, John Bern; clerk, A. C. Kudine; treasurer, S. P. Anderson, 
Eden—chairman, Frank Foreman; treasurer, F. Zemlicka; clerk, 
M. Bouzek. Washington -chairman, O. P. King; treasurer, John 
Jirock; clerk, B. M. Morford. Douglas —chairman, A. Sunding; 
Treas, Lars A. Larson; clerk, T. F. Cody. Valley—chairman, 




R: B. ROCKWELL 




FRED SHEEN AND FAMILY 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



119 



Fred Traver; treasurer, Jacob Becker; clerk, Thos, McWeenej^ 
Loomis — chairman, Peter DeWitte; treasurer, Hans Aasb}^; clerk, 
L. T. Adair. Lincoln— chairman, W. L. Thompson; treasurer, 
Jacob DeWitte; clerk, Nellie DeWitte. Wm. Hamilton— chairman, 
S. J. Nesheim; treasurer, C. J. Lemke; clerk, G. M. Wells. High^ 
more — chairman, P. E. Gilligan; treasurer, B. A. Foote, clerk, M. 
E. Miller. Holabird — chairman. A, M. Moore; treasurer, S. 
Mason; clerk, J. H. Smith. 
Hughitt — chairman. M. U Hunt; 
treasurer, Z. L. Parker; clerk, 
E. J. Quinn. Eagle— chairman, 
J. Pahl; treas., J. B. Ringer; 
clerk, E. M.Volz. Van Order- 
chairman, Ed Patterson; treasur- 
er, J. T. Melbourne; clerk, M. L, 
Hague. Peno — chairman, E. O. 
Evenson; treasurer, John Weber; 
clerk, Chris Aaby. Dewey^chair- 
man, R. C. Mercer; treasurer, T. 
A. Gallager; clerk, Jos. Budnik. 
Pratt — chairman, Margaret Mil- 
ler; treasurer, E. W. Smith: 
clerk, W. F. Thompson;, Con- 
vent — chairman, S. Kusser; treas. 
Christine Johnson; clerk, Oscar 
L. Olson. 




REV. FATHER FOX 



The teachers for the rural schools for t lie school year 1907-8 are 
as follows: Etta C. Logan, Pratt, Hirrold, S, D. ; Ella C. 
Quirk, Eagle, Highmore S. D. H. C. Shearer, Hughitt, Chapelle, 
S. D. Lola D. Berry, Van Order, Ree Hights, S. D. May Hays, 
Loomis. Highmore, S. D. Mabelle Miller, Highnire, Highmore, 
S. D. Mabelle Van Abel, Holabird. Highmore S. D. Effie Hamil- 
ton, Lincoln, Edwin, S. D. Clara Tryon, Bramhall, Highmore 




WM. C. WOOLEY AND WIFE 



>^ 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



121 



S. D. Rie A. Medbery, Valley, Harrold, S. D. Threse Burke, 
Bramhal], Highmcre, S. D. Rose O'Brien, Holabird, Highmore, 
S. D. Ella Van Camp, Van Order, Highmore, S. D. Cora 
Hughes, Washington, Canton, S. D. Blanche N. Hall, Convent, 
Peno, S. D. Jennie Whipple, Bramhall, Highmore S. D. Frank 
Parker, Loomis, Chapelle S. D. Carrie Weiss, Peno, Jackson, Minn. 
Minnie Weiss, Convent, Jackson, Minn. Martha Halverson, Banner, 
Jackson, Minn. Alice Bouren. 
Eden, Houdek, S. D. H. C. Sar- 
vis, Washington, Highmore, S. 
D. Annie Anderson, Illinois, 
Sedgwick S. D. Augusta Rudine, 
Illinois, Sedgwick, S. D. H. H. 
Dann, Wm. Hamilton, High- 
more S. D. Esther Bern, Union 
Sedgwick, S. D. i^illie Ellerton, 
Dewey, Holabird, S. D. An- 
nie Zemlicka, Eden, Holabird, 
S. D. Agnes Vondra, Eden, 
Zeigler, S. D. Hulda Johnson, 
Douglas, Sedgwick, S. ,D. Mam- 
ie Vopat, Union, Goudyville, S. 
D. Ethel Hemphill, Valley, 
Highmore, S. D. Selma Paul- 
son, Sunny Lake, Highmore, S. 
D. Atta I. Libby, Douglas, Highmore, S. D. N-ellie Wilcox, 
Hughitt. 

The following have graduated from the common schools of 
Hyde County: 1894 — Amy J. Foote, Maude Jones, May Churchill, 
Welcome McLaughlin. 1895 — Jay Templer, Bertha Traver, Alice 
Traver, Rose Foote, Nellie Lesh, Guy Sarvis, Ada Sarvis, Atta Ohl, 
Mary Winans, Edith Brace, 1896 — Ralph Shearer, James S. Stew- 
art, Elsie Pidge, Ralph Parker, Elta Greene, Edna Seharer, John 




JASPER GADD 




EDWARD RIDER AND WIFE 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTf? DAKOTA 



123 



Bottcher, 1897—H. C. Sarvis, Abbi@ Draw, J. I. Baardsley, Annia 
Gadd, Scott Young, Christy Barber, Ava ^^^eaver, Bartha Gerhart, 
i^>99— Edna Traver, John E, Campbell, Stina G. Larson, Walter 
\\ ells, Louis P, Lighty, John Cramer, Nettie Hinds, J. E. Van 
Camp. 1900— Belle Templer, Maud Mason, Lewis Messick, Royal 
C. Johnson, Clara McNamara, Esther Winger, Linda Harno, Julia 
Patterson, Flora E. Weaver, Hattie Beardsley, Carl Sheen, 1901 
-Emma Bottcher, Henry Bot- 
tcher, Ella Van Camp, H. M. 
Shearer, Ethal C. Gadd, Francina 
Kassmussen, Mary Hamlin, Molie 
Sweeny, Grace Traver, Mary J. 
^emlicka, Minnetta Walters, 
Emma Reha, Grace Weaver, 
Cle K. Strand, Henry A Johnson, 
Clii'ton Traver, Ida McDonald, 
Austin Meigs, Dollie Stalnaker. 
Fannie Moss. 1902— Homer 

Yoimr, Minnie Young, Arthur 
See nan, Allen Van Camp, Chas. 
Park.^r, Wilbur Quirk, Lillie EU 
ifi-ton, May Tenp^er, Jessie Ma- 
son, Edna Gerhart, Minnie Ger- 
hart, Ethel Graham, Annie Cher- 
mak, Josie Bouzek, Augusta Rud- 

jne, Annie Vopat, Delia Fi^ley, Ella Quirk, Chasley Jackson, Henry 
Case, Chai. King, Arthur Yeandle, Mabe;;^^ Quirk, Ida Paulson, 
Emma Swan^ion, Florence Quinn, i9Q3-=-Dena Melbourn, Mamie 
E. Everhard, Rob't Sutfln, Nina M, Clink, Winifred Figley, Earl F. 
Jones, Grace Gibbs, Kitty D Gerhart, George Kin^, Jennie Whip- 
ple, Agnfes Vrndra, Don Sheen, Pearl Stanton, Annie Bou^ek, Sew- 
ard Gibhs Josie Sweeney, Alice S. Re^ac Frank Parker, Elmina 
Evenson, Mabel Smith, Walter Seeman, Myrtle King, Lottie M. 




C. H.QRAY 



tilSTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



125 



Zemllcka, George Van Camp, Mabelle Miller, Gladys Musser, 
Albert J. Harno, Richard Tagg, Lina McDonald, Allie 
Angle, Merlie Swanson, 1904 — -Delia M. Anderson, Barbara Jirock, 
Claude O. Stanton, Geo, M. Comstock, Maude Quirk, Pauline Mid^ 
dlabrook, Pierre Yeandle, Mayrne T. Vopat, Mary Bou^ek Edna 
Adair, i905^Minnie Rudine, Hulda Johnson, Henry Barber, Ellen 
Bern, Henry Rudine, Esther Bern, Marie Aasby, Eleanor McVey 
Susie Kippenbrock, Bessie Shoff 
Luci'e McCullen, Annie Ander- 
son, Earl Spencer, Benhard Jen^ 
sen, Anna Palan. ipod-^Ruth 
Miller, Norma Traver, Selma 
Paulsen, Annie Zemlicka, George 
Mesick, Gladys Button, Bennie 
Bee Foote, Irene C. Quirk, Gent- 
rude M. Eighty, Earnest Ander- 
son, Harry Parker, Alice Chap^ 
man, Carl Wells, Edward Bot- 
Icher, Hazel Smith, Edwin Dol- 
ing, Norma Becker, Barbara 
Lusk, Pearl Canode, Elmer Pratt, 
Clifford Volz, John Gallager, 
Benhart Nesheim. i907"'Ruth 
Traver, Elsie Clark, Harriet 
Patterson Ole Aasby, Florence 

Trent, Rilla Spencer, Alcee Stoner, G Idie Kei§er, Paul Aasby, 
Leslie Meigs, Raye Miller, EmeHa Leg Earl Eleya, Rob Mason, 
Dora C.Rolewitch, Beatrice Shafenberg, Gertrude Mesick. J908 
— Justis Gray, Ralph Wells, Henrietta DeWitte, Kattie Van Camp, 
Ava Mann, Ella Zemhcka, Estelle Trent, Rosetta Pahl, Minni© Van 
Abel, Betina Volz, Judson Whitcher, Walter Whitcher, Burdette 
DeWitte, Edward Hamilton, Lisle Swanson, Maude Kippenbrock, 
Emma Johnson, Henry Zemlicka, Laura Pahl, Grace Evenson, Ida 




CHURCH MEIGS 



126 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



Odegard, Sophus Odegard, Jalrner Paulson. 

Many of them have continued their education in High Schools, 
Colleges and Universities and are now found among the business 
and professional men of this and adjoining states. 

The foregoing chapter was prepared by our present County 
Superintendant of schools, W. N. Van Camp, at our request and 
the author of this history feels exceedingly grateful to him for the 
contribution as it is well written, and as complete as it could be un- 
der the circumstances of the lost records. We can safel}^ add 
also that Mr. Van Camp during his two terms of office has giveri us 
the best of service, and during his incumbency the schools have 
materiall}^ advanced. 



The Little Vine Clad Cottage on the Claim 

Sequel to "The Little Old Sod Shanty on the Claim" 

By E. W. Lowe, a Hyde County Farmer 

(Copyright by E. W. Lowe) 
I am fe sling sort of happy since I proved up on the farm, 

I have horses, sheep and cattle not a few. 
Pork and 'taters in the cellar. 

Wheat and oats stored in the barn. 
And coal enough I guess to take us through. 

Chorus: 
The little old sod shanty, where I nestled down to rest. 

When the coyotes were howling round at night. 
Has changed in its appearance. 

Like everything out west. 
To the little vine clad cottage painted white. 
I found that sweet kind hearted girl of whom I used to dream, 

When working hard to beautify the ^ace . 
She came just like an angel. 

As fair as any queen. 
And Belle and Beulah have their mother's face. 
We have prayed and worked together for nearly t w'enty years. 

Have had our pleasures often mixed with pain. 
But He in whom we trusted, 

Wiped away our tears. 
And blessed us in our cottage on the claim. 

The good old home way back down east, bright link in. 
memories chain, 

The joyous scenes, the friends that loved us best; 
But I'd rather drink the balmy breeze. 

That floats across the plain. 
And watch the golden sunset of the west. 
Dakota, fair Dakota, we love thy genial clime, 

The breezes tilled with fragrance from the plain, 
And here on thy broad prairie. 

We'll live until we die. 
In our little vine clad cottage on the claim. 




w. D. McDonald and wife 



CHAPTER VIII 



SEVERAL MATTERS OF INTEREST 

A MURDER 

In August 1886 word was brought to Highmore by four boys 
who were working at the CathoHc Mission that they had discovered 
the remains of a man lying upon the prairie near the Mission, in 
township 109 range 72. Coroner Tallman took with him T. E. 
Price, J. T. Blakemoreand A. A. Dibble, who went in search of the 
remains. They had been taken to Fort Thompson from which 
place they were officially turned over to the coroner, and were 
then taken to the Mission Stephan where an inquest was held. The 
verdict of the coroner's jury was, that the remains were those of a 
person unknown, that he was shot through the body by an unknown 
person, and this was the cause of his death aided by heavy blows 
on the head and a fracture of the skull. It was a terrible sight, the 
body had been almost completly dismembered, pulled apart by 
wolves and the flesh eaten. A tin spectacle case, a button hook and 
memorandum book were found about the clothing but, the book re- 
vealed nothing as to the identity of the person, and thiais yet shroud- 
ed in mystery. 

AN ACCIDENT 

On September 17, 1886, at the home of their parents in Van 
Order township Mr, and Mrs. L. W. Harvey, Pearl Harvey aged 
three and one half years, and Gaorgie E., aged two, were burned 
to death. 

A DELEGATE , 

A constitutional convention \yas held in Sioux Falls June 30, 
1885, at which convention our present state constitution was fram- 
ed and afterwards adopted. George G. Crase was a delegate from 



ISO 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



Hyde count3\ 

AN EFFORT FOR A COLLEGE 

In the latter part of 1885 an effort was made b}^ Prof. J. C 
Black of the Christian Church for a Christian College. He wanted 
to find a site to which the college would be removed. He was de- 
lighted with the country here, but could not make satisfactory ar- 
rangements as to a bonus and for the required amount of land, either 
at Holabird or Highmore so the venture was abandoned and he 

left us regretfully. 

RUSTLING FOR WOOD 

In the early days the settlers 
would go to the Missouri river for 
wood, but as this act was forbid- 
den by the government at Wash- 
ington, being on the reservation, 
it was not often done. Atone 
time however about fifteen of 
them made a trip there for some 
fuel, as it was in the winter time 
and the fuel was greatly needed. 
They went down and cut the wood 
and loaded it on their wagon and 
were ready to start home when 
they were surprised b}^ the appear- 
ance of a few Indian police offic- 
CHAS. SHEEN gj-g^ who ordered an unloading at 

once or there would be trouble. A few of the settlers were inclined 
to resist, but the peculiar "grunt" of the Indian race along with an 
expression upon their countenances that meant business, caused an 
apprehension that the trouble referred to might result in a scalping 
bee, which was something the settlers did not care to indulge in, so 
the boys unloaded and silently but indignantly drove home. 

EXHIBIT 

At the Territorial Fair held in Mitchell in September 1887 Hyde 




I 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



131 



County made a most wonderful exhibit, so much in excess of man}^ 
other of the counties that the papers of the territor}^ gave it special 
mention. The Mitchell Republican especially said that the display 
made by Hyde County was not only creditable but simply magnifi- 
cent. It made mention of nine varieties of corn well ripened and 
of immense size and of the product of that season estimated at not 
less than fifty bushels to the acre. Also samples of the No. i 
hard wheat, oats, flax, cabbage 
heads, pumpkins, squashes, on- 
ions, turnips, potatoes and many 
other things, all of which that 
paper pronounced as entirely un- 
expected from this county, and 
was astonishing to everyone who 
saw it. 

STILL HERE 

Out of forty-eight residents 
who wer€ drawn on the grand 
and petit jurys at the November 
term of court in 1886, only nine 
remain and still reside here. 
They are Ed Rodgers, A. N. Ger- 
hart. B. A. Foote, George Foster, 
Fred Messick, Louis Rolewitch, 
E. C. Musserand J. E. McDonald. 

COAL DISCOVERY 

In the summer of 1886 there was considerable excitment in Hyde 
County over the reported discovery of coal. It was preceeding the 
4th of July and so wrought up the people in their ardent enthusi- 
asm over this unexpected find that they forgot the American eagle 
and the Star Spangled Banner— in short they forgot to celebrate 
the anniversary of our independance. The hue and cry was made 
that under a portion of the soil in the northwestern part of the 




SAMUEL BATES 



132 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



county, lay a vein of good bituminous coal, fifteen feet under the 
ground with a seven foot vein of coal. Men are apt to believe that 
which they want to beleive, and while many were skeptical in re^ 
gard to the report many others argued its truthfulness with scienti- 
tic certainty. Why not coal here as well as anywhere else, was 
asked with all the assurance of positive conviction, but there was 
no answer for nobody wanted it otherwse. But the fever of excit- 

ment soon abated, the wind of en- 
thusiasm soon died down into a calm 
of disappointment. The coal did not 
materialize, and the event of its report- 
ed discovery was soon forgotten. 

A TIME OF TERROR 

Monday morning, May 30th, 1889, 
a wind sprang up from the northwest 
and at the same time a fire caught by 
accident on the premises of James 
Ingram in the Medicine Valley about 
five miles southwest of Highmore. 
Thd wind in its rageing and cruel fury 
spread the fire rapidly across the south 
part of Highmore township and also 
Bramhall, the n:>rth part of Eagle and 
Van Order taking everything in its 
track. Mr. Ingram lost some stacks of grain, machinery and other 
property George Cree lost his stable stacks, and seed grain, in 
fact everything but his house. John Cunningham's barn, machin- 
ery and seed grain and one horse were burned, his wife being alone, 
rescued the other horses from the flames. L. L. Hatch 
lost everything but his house, H. B. Young lost his barn, granery, 
600 bushels of wheat, 300 bushels of oats, also his farm machinery 
and also his seed grain, and he himself was burned trying to save 
some of his property. Others in the path of the flames suffered 




E. O. PARKER 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



133 



damage but not so serious as those mentioned above. But while the 
south part of the country suffered in loss of property alone, the 
worst horror of all was the loss of life in the north part and more 
particularly in the northwest. The second day on Tuesday the wind 
seemed worse in its fury and for a while threatened to sweep the 
town of Highmore out of existance, and this same wind brought the 
fumes of the burning prairie, and although no fire could be seen 
fears were felt that frox the 
northwest the flames were sweep- 
ing on in the work of distruction. 
Those fears were fully confirmed 
when people from that direction 
came to town and told the stor- 
ies of misfortune and disaster. 
Horses, cattle and hogs were 
roasted in stables and pens, and 
singed and suffocated on the 
prairie. Houses, barns, stacks of 
grain and ha}^ and machinery 
were left in mouldering heaps, 
where before were thrifty suround- 
ings, and there was nothing left 
but a desolate and dreary waste 
of blackened prairie. But sadder 
than all this was the story of 

agony and death of four well known settlers whose charred and 
blacken reiiiains were left on the prairie. Anna Sweeny went out 
to loosen the picketed cows but the flames caught her before she 
had performed her task, and the cattle also perished. Mrs. Albert 
Jessup was at the house with her children and placed them in a cy- 
clone cellar and while fighting, the flames conquered and destro3'ed 
her. Thos. Tibbs took his wife and son Frank to a piece of plowed 
ground and told them to remain there until he ventured again to 




134 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



4' 



the house for some articles of clothing, but the excited wife with 
the boy alone, thought it her duty to aid the husband in saving 
what was in their little home, and left her place of safety for that 
purpose, but they were caught in the flames and fatally burned and 
Mr. Tibbs himself was badly burned in his efforts to rescue them. 
Mrs. Ruby and her daughter were seriously injured internally while 
escaping from a cyclone cave, the entrance to which was wrapped 
in flames. Others were scorched and it is a wonder that many 

more did not perish in that ter-« 
rible fire. Among those in that 
part of the county who lost all 
or largely all they had were the 
following: James Sweeney, Wm. 
Sweeney, Thomas Tibbs, Wm. 
Dougherty, Uriah Jessup, Albert 
Jessup, L. F. Walthall, M. T. 
Thayer, Jacob Becker, Hans Lar- 
son, S Hastings, John McGovern, 
Duncan Gray and Thomas Mc- 
Weeny. 

FINANCES 

As to the financial records of 
Hyde county it is not necessary 
to go into details only a general 
John Henfrey and wife Statement is necessary. The 

first money ever received by the county treasurer was under the 
double headed organization, when L. C. Hadley was treasurer by 
virtue of appointment. He received $327.81 saloon Hcense money, 
which upon his retirment was counted out to the board, and was 
soon appropriated for expenses incuted. The first tax levy was 
made by the legaly organized board on the 14th day of September, 
the account of which tax if given on page 15 of this history. The 
first report made under the local organization was by John F Gcudy 




HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 135 

which was submitted to the county board at their meeting Novem- 
ber loth, 1884. That report was as follows; 

TERRITORIAL FUND 

Keceipts $4-54 

Disbursments i8 Balance .$4-33 

COUNTY FUND 

Receipts $390.89 

Disbursments $15.63 Balance $375.26 

COUNTY SCHOOL FUND 

Receipts $326.07 

Disbursements $8.45 

Vouchers $248.10 Balance $69.52 

TOWNSHIP DISTRICT SCHOOL FUND 

Receipts $3 1.80 

Disbursements $1.27 Balance..... $30.52 

BRIDGE ROAD FUND 

Receipts $3.00 

Disbursements 12 Balance ,. ...$2,88 

INTEREST ON BOND FUND 

Receipts 46 

Disbursements 02 Balance ..44 

Total balance on hand $482.96 

The next report of treasurer was by Homer James submitted 
July II, 1885, showing a balance on hand from all funds of $1598.77. 

Each of the rival county boards appointed assessors. The Grd- 
way board appointed S. R. Meigs with H. C. Shober, N. C. Cline, 
D. L. Cadwallader and John Newell as deputies. The other board 
appointed first N. M. Jacobson, who resigned, and then W. N. 
Green was appointed with T. R. Jones, Charles McGill, and Geo. 
Barret as deputies. These made an assessment of the county in 
the spring of 1884, which was afterwards revised and equalized by 
the legal board, when A. E. Van Camp, David Moore, and J. W. 
Beardsley constituted that board, but no levy was made until the 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



137 



4th day of September, 1884, as before stated, so that we are unable 
to state and cannot learn from the records where Mr. Goudy ob- 
tained his receipt money, unless it was saloon money distributed in- 
to the various funds. The first money w^hich went into the treasury 
by taxation was paid in when Homer James was treasurer, as shown 
by his report mentioned above. 

The present financial condition of Hyde county will be seen in 
the report of Auditor Buchan which was made by him and verified 
on the 30th day of June, 1908, and published a few days after in the 
local papers and is as follows: 

Assets of County in Detail. Liabilities of County in Uetaii^ 



Total amount of School money Ic 


aned, se- 


Amt, of school money 


•ec'd 


to date 


66 6:i0 00 


cured by mortgages and bonds 


$65 925 00 


Warrants issued and 


in 


ii 


ands 


of 




Unpaid Tax, 1907 


2 800 2(i 


audi or 










127 15 


1906 


483 86 


Bonds Outstanding 




(R 


ate 






1905 


464 43 


Interest Per Cent) 










13 51)0 00 


19U4 


100 19 


County sinking fnnd, 












" " 1903 and Prior 


106 59 


AsfiiMfciover Liabilities 










7.^0 Id 


('ash in county fnnd 


•Z 655 82 














County Bridge and road 


2 000 59 














Bond Interest and sinking fund 


3 000 00 














Cash in sinking luud 
















Sales and Fixtures 


2 000 00 














(-ourt House and Grounds 


5 ?,00 00 














Couaty .lai] 


500 00 














Permanent School Fund 
















Dipping Stations 


1 500 00 


Total 












Total 


;i87 037 34 


.i87 037 31 



STATE OF SOUTH DAKOTA, 

COUNTY OF HYDE 

.IAME8 Buchan, Auditor, first being duly sworn doth say 
thctt the Treasurer's exhibit hereon is a true and correct statemejit of tlie llnancial condition 
of Hyde county, as appears by his books, and that tlie Auditor's exiiibit Is a true and cor- 
rect statement of all warrants drawn on tlie treasury during the quarter, and that the state- 
ment of assets and liabilities is true and corrtct. 

James Buchan, Co. Auditor 
Subscripted and sworn to betore me this 28th <iay of July, 1908 

(SKaL) C. H. Gray, Notary Public. 



A TERRIBLE STORM 

One of the worst blizzards on record occurred January 12, 1888. 
It was general in the northwest and swept Hyde with terrible fury. 
The morning was bright and calm, but this soon changed to a bitter 
cold driving storm and drifting snow. Near Sedgwick Mrs. Anthony 
Haby went from the house with her husband to assist in doing the 
chores. After working awhile she started to return, but she became 
bewildered, lost her way, and did not return. When Mr. Haby 



138 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



went back to the house he did not find her there, and made such 
search as he could, but after the storm had subsided the bod}^ was 
found about a mile and a half from the house. Sister Wilhelme at 
the Stephan Mission started from the dwelling house to go to the 
school building, a distance of about seventy rods, but becoming be- 
wildered, lost her wa}^ and drifted with the storm for some distance, 
until she came to a fence that encloses the quarter section on 

which the mission is located. 
Missing her, search was instituted 
and after much difficulty she was 
found leaning against the fence, 
her limbs frozen and she in an 
unconscious condition. Chris 
Lexun, Peter O'Brien and others 
attempted to carry her to the 
house, but the}^ in turn got lost 
and were obliged to leave her in 
order to save themselves. After 
finding the house, by the aid of 
cords to guide them in their re- 
turn, they retraced their steps to 
the unconscious form of the sister 
and carried her to shelter, them- 
J. T. BLAKEMORE selves almost overcome by the 

storm. The poor woman lingered until twelve o'clock that night, 
when she passed away. She was a woman of high christian charac- 
ter and of strong devotion to her church. It was a wonder at the 
time that many others escaped for the drifting and driving snow 
soon obscured the sight, and any who were out were obliged to 
grope blindly about like one in utter darkness. 

ASSESSMENT OF 1 888 

The assessment of 1888 showed the following, which consti- 
tutes the material wealth in Hvde Countv at that time: 




HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



139 



Real Estate $619,833 00 

Town Lots 56,099 00 

Personal 117,41700 

Acres of Land 187,37900 

Horses, 1053 23,857 00 

Cattle, 2650 23,29300 

Mules, III 2,82900 

Hog-s, 359.. 558 00 

Sheep, 145 13900 

A PRAIRIE FIRE 

During" the last two da3's of 
September, 1888, a terrible 
prairie fire raged north of High- 
rnore. It started at M r . 
Dougherty's place in Valley 
township and widened as it swept 
across Douglas, Lincoln, Wash- 
ington and Hamilton, burning 
hay, flax, wheat and rnan}^ build- 
ings in its course. The following 
are some of the losses: Robert 
^^^endland, stable and stacks; 
A. Kernberger, stable, one horse, 
70 tons of hay, and most of his MATT SHOUP 

farming implements; C. F. Geer, 75 tons of ha}^; James Pettis, 
house, barn, stacks, and about everything on the place; G. W. 
Sanders, 15 tons of hay; James Stewart, a field of flax; Peter Hoe, 
hay and grain stacks; S. W. Ayers, 100 bushels of wheat and some 
hay; on the Sprecker place, his barn and numerous other losses, 
and many other settlers lost something. 

RELIEF 

At one time in the history of Hyde County, when the hot wind 
had done its work, and the prairie fires had been destructive, there 





W. L. THOMPSON AND FAMILY 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



141 



was a call for relief on the part of some of our people, and on the 
part of the others the call was stubbornl}' resisted. It is true that 
the American people are always read}^ to pour in their contributions 
to some unfortunate portions of the countr}^ which has been sud- 
denh^ stricken with some calamity as that of the San Francisco 
earthquake or the Chicago fire. It was a matter of much discussion 
at the time whether it w^as not better for the county, even as poor 
as it was, to provide for such of 
the county as needed it, rather 
than publish it to the world that 
they were in a condition of pov- 
ert}' and needed help. Such, 
however, as opposed it at first, 
were indifferent afterwards. 

Too often in such matters of 
relief, the "cheeky" ones, less 
deserving-, get it, while the ac- 
tuall}' need}' and modest appli- 
cants fail to get their share. 
Fraud, also, almost always enters 
into its receipt and distribution, 
and in the case of Hyde county, 
while some mone}' was sent by 
mail, no report was ever made of 
receipts and disbursmeats, and if thera was no stealing, there cer- 
tainly was an opportunit_v. 

As it was, the Hyde County Board at its April session 1889, ap- 
propriated five hundred dollars for the benefit of the fire sufferers in 
the prairie fire of April that year, and that was well and met with 
approval, but on account of liberal donations from Pierre, St. Paul, 
and Chicago the vote here for the appropriation w^as rescinded. 

Relief was sent in of clothing, groceries and other necessities, 
and Ilighmore was headquarters for its distribution, but whether or 




Mr. and Mrs D. O. Welch 



142 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



not it was an}^ benefit to anybody we do not know. Someone liv- 
ing near Holabird wrote to friends in Iowa of our starved and pov- 
erty stricken condition, which brought quite a consignment of 
second hand clothing and eatables. The people of Holabird re- 
belled against such an advertised condition of things, and resented 
the whole performance as an insult to the county. The result was 
that the parties who had the goods p'aced them in a vacant build- 
ing in Holabird for such disposi- 
tion of them as the people might 
make, and while the}^ were thus 
stored, some unknown parties in 
the dark hours of the night 
entered the building, carted the 
whole business off in wagons, and 
it was never heard of or seen by 
the public afterwards. Holabird 
was sort of pleased over this turn 
of affairs, and no effort was ever 
made to find the stuff or to learn 
who took it, and there seemed to 
be too much pride en the part of 
the people of Holabird and vicin- 
it}^ to think of wearing around 
DUNCAN GRAY the cast off clothing and foot 

gear sent up here from Iowa where the}^ had no further use for 
them. 

J. L. Humphrey was one of the distributing committee of grain 
furnished the county, and in 1890 made a full and complete report 
of their doings. 

AN EPISODE 

In the early days the old settlers would occasionally indulge in 
a pilgrimage to the river or somewhere else. Sometimes they would 
go in pairs, or perhaps in a quartette, and occasionalh' in a large 




HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



143 



and extensive gathering;. We remember at an earl}^ day when L. 
E. Whitcher, A. N. Gerhart, S. R. Meigs and Frank Drew, tired of 
the monotony of every day business life, sought a brief recreation 
by a trip to the river, not to fish, but to gather the luscious plums 
which grew in abundance along the banks of the Missouri and other 
streams. The local paper had it at the time that they formed a 
complete organization with Meigs as guide and scout, Whitcher as 
hunter, Drew as cook, and Ger- 
hart as general rustler. The)' ar- 
rived on the banks of the river 
and went into camp about ten 
o'clock, but having forgotten or 
neglected to take a lantern along 
the}' had to feed their horses, 
get wood, and cook their supper 
in a strange country and in the 
darkness of night. They labored 
under difficulties, and soon all 
hands had to quit and fish 
Whitcher out of Joe creek, into 
which he had fallen trying to get 
wood and water; and Gus. in tr}'- 
ing to fix the horses for the night 
got tangled up in the picket rope 
and all rolled down a bank fifteen 

feet high into the creek; it took the efforts of the other three to 
rescue Gus and the horses. The next day they got a mouthful or 
two of plums only, and in this respect the trip was a failure, so the 
following day they started home towards night, so late that darkness 
came upon them, but they traveled on and soon on the broad 
prairie realized that they were lost, and actually knew not where 
they were or whither they were going; indeed the points of the 
compass were a blank to hem. Upon a discussion as to the merits 




MRS. DUNCAN GRAY 





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CAP'T. VAN ETTEN AND WIFE 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



145 



of the situation it was concluded that Whitcher should hold their 
horses while the rest of them, down on their knees, would hunt for 
the traveled road. Meigs went north, Drew east, and Gerhart 
west, but unsuccessful in their search, they got back to the wagon. 
Then the}' got into a wrangle as to which way was north, and which 
east, and over this they about exhausted themselves and the vo- 
cabulary of expressive adjectives, but finaJ'y concluded to get aboard 

and let the horses go where the}' _^ 

liked, and thus they traveled un- 
til they came to a house where 
they stopped for the rest of the 
night, but what house they could 
not determine. Meigs declared 
they were in Hand county, for no 
such habitation existed within 
the confines of Hyde. Gus said 
it was the Harrold school house, 
and Whitcher said he didn't care 
a gol-darn where it was, he was 
going to lay down on the floor 
and go to sleep. This they all 
did, and when the light of the 
morning enabled them to locate 
themselves, they found they were 
within half a mile of Meigs' own 
home in a house owned by D. S. Warner. Such experiences on 
trips of that kind are more enjoyable than the plain uneventful 
going and coming, for when it is all over there is something to make 
the heart bubble over with mirth and laughter at the unexpected 
predicaments in which they are caught. 

THE CYCLONE 

This portion of Dakota, and indeed no part of our great state 
is subject to cyclones, but one of those desolating creatures of the 




C. E. CASE 



146 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



air swept a portion of Hyde county on Wednesday evening, July 15, 
1885. The writer with several Holabird people was sitting on the 
north side of a Holabird building about five o^clock in the evening 
trying to get some comfort in the shade, and away from the sun- 
shine, when we saw peculiar clouds forming about ten miles north 
of us which had that peculiar green tint which means danger and 
disaster. We saw rising fron the ground what looked like a P3^ra- 

mid of dust, then a pointed streak 
of clouds which came down and 
in contact with the ground form- 
ation, was soon a. rolling monster 
of air. It started on its mission 
of destruction towards us, came 
toward Holabird slowly, and 
reached the village about 8 
o'clock. On its way it took sev- 
eral shacks and residences, but 
there was no loss of life, as peo- 
ple took refuge in their cellars. 
It scattered the house of Wm. 
Edgecomb in all directions, swal- 
lowed up a 3"oke of oxen and in- 
deed ruined everything on the 
premises. One particular thing 
it did was to take a bed tick, tear 
it into strips, and when found afterwards these strips were knotted 
together making a hard bundle of stuff which was a curiosity to us 
for years. James Peardon had a very fine mare and colt near the 
Edgecomb residence which were taken by the cyclone, and no part 
of them was found. T. W. How^ey at Holabird had several kero- 
sene barrels in the rear of his drug store. After the cyclone had 
passed the iron hoops of the barrel lay there, but the staves were 
gone. At Holabird it carried away a barn belonging to J. R. Smith, 




MRS. O. R. VAN ETTEN 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



147 



blowed the depot building across the track, moved the school house 
from the foundation, demolished a few small buildings, and then 
disappeared. 

The same cloud developed other cyclones northwest of High- 
more, which were more destructive than the one at Holabird. The 
da}^ had been oppressively warm, with a strong wind from the south 
and at about the same time we ncticed the c3xlone formation from 
Holabird, the people at High- 
more noticed the same thing, 
only another formation northwest 
of town. It moved slowly 

towards Highmore and soon dis- 
solved seemingh' spent by its own 
fury, but another of similar kind 
formed, and this continued on in 
its work of destruction. It was 
nearh" dark when it reached 
Highmore, and then ami.1 the 
crash of buildings, the thunders' 
peal and human shrieks, all 
thought was lost save that of 
personal safety, and cellars and 
cvclone caves were in great de- 




FREMONT WELCH 



mand. When the fury of the cyclone had sufficiently subsided for 
one to be above ground a scene indeed pitiful presented itself. 
Strong buildings were crushed to atoms, roofs were blown off, fronts 
were crushed in, lumber and machinery were scattered, stock was 
running at large, and in different parts of the town there were inde- 
scribable masses of debris. 

Nearly a third of the buildings were completely wrecked and a 
large part of the remainder were more or less damaged. Among 
the buildings wholl}- destroyed were a lumber offtce belonging to 
O'Donnell & O'Connell. E. O. Parker's Loan Office, the Ed Mix 




J. E. WHIPPLE AND FAMILY 



HTSTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 149 

building, the Vox Populi printing office, blacksmith shop, wagon 
shop, shoe shop, barbershop, and about eight residences in the east 
part of town. The county was sparcely settled then, so that 
among the farmers there was not a great loss, though in the eastern 
part of the county Messers Tryon. Young, Mesick, Thomas, Wat- 
kins and a few others had some loss. The cyclone along in its path 
towards Highmore passed over the farm of Elmer B. Thompson in 
the south part of Lincoln township. There were at the house Mr. 
Thompson and wife, his sons, William and Luke and his son Fred's 
wife. Fred himself was on his way home from Highmore with a 
team. The family were in the cellar; Will was the last to go down 
and was urging his father to hurry on, but he stopped to take one 
more look out of the window, which was a fatal move, for before he 
could get into the cellar the cyclone took the house and Mr. 
Thompson was found among the debris dead. 



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CHAPTER IX 



THE MISSION 

The above expression is general!}^ used by our people when 
they refer to the "Immaculate Conception Mission School" at 
Stephan in the south part of Hyde County. Father DeSmet 
passed to his reward about thirty-five years ago, and the location 
of the Mission School was in the heart of the field of his apostolic 
labors. An appeal was made to him frequently and urgently by 
Strikes-the-Ree, White Swan and other representative Indians to 
establish a Mission School where the Indian children could be edu- 
cated, not only along the line of the usual school studies, but also 
in the proper care of the mind and bod}^ in the ways of industry, in 
the practical knowledge of industrial pursuits and in the paths of 
riijhteousness and an heroic christian life. These appeals touched 
the heart of the saintly priest and he in turn made constant appeal 
to his superiors and to the public for the establishment of mission 
schools among the Sioux Indians. Father DeSmet died before 
these fondest wishes were realized, but the}^ were not forgotten for 
later on, under the ceaseless desires of Bishop Marty, and through 
the munificence of Mother Katherine Drexel, the Immaculate Con- 
ception Mission School in Hyde County was established in 1886 by 
the erection of their first buildings, and under the supervision of 
Rev. Geo. L. Willard, now deceased. 

Father Willard was succeeded by Rev. Pius Boehm, O. S. B., 
who is still at the head of that institution and his life has been de- 
voted to its interests, although in many instances against the ad- 
verse circumstances of poverty, of want of means to keep his 3^outh- 
ful wards properl}^ clothed and fed. 

In 1895 the main building was destroyed by fire, but by the con- 



152 HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 

tribution of a generous public, man>" improvements have since been 
made, among them a beautiful church, erected in 1900, at a -cost of 
about five thousand dollars; also a building used for a laundr}^ sew- 
ing room, baths, and music hall with all the necessar}^ stage settings. 
During the first ten years of its existence, the Mission School 
was assisted in its work by contract with the Government, but since 
1896 it has been maintained at private expense. The annual ex- 
penditures amount to about seven 
thousand dollars. 

The following letter written by 
Father Pius Boehm to the De- 
partment at Washington sets 
forth many facts, which are of in- 
terest to 'the reader. , , , , 
Stephan, H/de Co., S. Dak., 
, Aug. 31, 1890. 
, To the Hon. T. J. Morgan, , 
Com. of Indian Affairs, 

Washington, D. C. 
Sir: . 

Owing to m}^ absence 3^our 
circular letter, dated Aug. 7th, 
remained unopened until yester- 
day. I hasten to repl}'. 

The Immaculate Conception 
Mission School at Stephan, about 16 miles north of Crow Creek 
Agenc3% S. Dakota, was established in the spring of the year 1886, 
under the auspices of the Bureau of Catholic Indian Missions, 
Washington, D. C, b}^ the lately deceased Ver}^ Rev. Geo. S. Wil- 
lard. A little cottage was erected then, which served the double 
purpose of a residence and temporar}^ school. I found on my ar- 
rival here, Jan. 21, 1887, five Indian pupils in attendance and a 
school building 40 by 100 ft. on the way to completion. After many 




FATHER PIUS BOEHM 




HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 153 

difficulties had been overcome, I managed to open school May ist 
of that 3'ear, in the new building, with an attendance of 33 pupils, 
and supported b}- the Catholic Church. 

In the fall of the same year school opened under contract with 
the government, Rev. Vincent Wehrle serving as its superintendent; 
the writer, in the capacity of a procurer. Passing through many 
trying ordeals, on account of the distant location from the civilized 
world, the tardiness of the gov- 
ernment to pay the quarterly 
dues, the hard winter, which 
covered the prairies with moun- 
tains of snow, etc. etc., we suc- 
ceeded in keeping about 90 
pupils not only alive, but laid the 
foundation to their advancement 
to civilization, by imparting to 
them the first elements of educa- 
tion. 

The school 3'ear had scarcel}^ 
closed when the superintendent 
was called to another field of 
labor, and the fact became more 
and more apparent that a separ- 
ate building had to be erected for 
the accommodation of the man}' 

applicants desiring admission. In due time arrangements were 
made with the Bureau of Catholic Indian Missions under the di- 
rectorship of Very Rev. J. A. Stephan, Washington, D. C, and the 
new building had so far progressed in the fall of 1888 to recieve a 
number of children. Unfortunately, the building to which the girls 
were transferred could not be completed until the spring of the pres- 
ent year, for want of means. During the fall and winter of 1888 and 
1889 we had 130 pupils enrolled; for 100 we had contracts, and the 




FATHER AMBROSE MATTINGLY 



154 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



balance were schooled, boarded and clothed gratis. 

The fiscal year commencing Jul}^ i, 1888, to June 30, 1890, 
passed under my personal supervision with an enrollment of 112 
pupils. Owing to the singular wording of our contracts, which al- 
lowed us only pupils who had been attending our schools the year 
before, and pupils who had been at no other school 12 months pre- 
vious to June 30, 1889, we could not average over 95 pupils on our 

quarterly reports. I always con- 
sidered this unfair. Schools are 
erected to educate children. 
When parents desire to send 
their children, we are requested 
to take them, and it has always 
been to me a matter of curiosity 
to know why pupils of other 
schools, desiring to enter ours, 
should not enjoy the same privi- 
leges as those who were here be- 
fore, as far as compensation is 
concerned. It onl}' places a 
heavier burden on our shoulders. 
Very often too, such children, for 
some reason or another, if refused 
at the school the}^ wish to enter, 
on the basis of remuneration, will 
attend none at all and the grand object in view, the education and 
civilization of these children, for which the schools were established, 
will be to a great extent impeded, if not frustrated. 

Speaking of contracts, I wish to add also here: Our contracts 
always provided for the defraying of traveling expenses of children 
and the clothing of those under the so-called $50 contract. I am 
requested to keep exact accounts, issue duplicate vouchers, as far 
as practicable, give my oath as to their correctness, but nothing. 




REV. SISTER M. EDWARDS SHONLY 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 155 

not even an answer to m}^ inquiries can be had. Maj. W. W. An- 
derson, the former U. S. Indian Agent at Crow Creek, visited 
Washington on business in Januar}" last, looking up also the rea- 
sons why the clothing for schools was dela3^ed. The officer in 
charge, whose name I cannot recall, gave sound reasons for the 
delay, but protested most emphatically to send more than five 
months clothing, on the plea that half of the school term had ex- 
pired. Thus we had to suffer the loss. Writer holds: If it is ex- 
pected of us to carry out our share of the contract, it is only just 
that the government should shoulder that part belonging to it. 

THE WORK DONE 

Of the first two years of our existence, the superintendents 
then in charge could make out a better report of their labors than 
the writer. 

A donation of i6o acres of land, all fenced now, was made b}' the 
government for school purposes. Before school opened under contract 
with the government, about lo acres were under cultivation. Dur- 
ing the fiscal 3''ear of 1887, 35 more acres were brought under culti- 
vation, or all the tillable land at our disposal. Another quarter 
section is anxiously desired. A great share of this was done by the 
boys. Corn, oats, barley, potatoes, melons, pumpkins, squashes, 
beans were cultivated, but, excepting the fall of the 3^ear 1888, our 
labors were badly repaid on account of the drouth. Statistics were 
sent to the Department but as they were always made out in ad- 
vance of the crops, they cannot'be accepted as a standard. This 
year our crops were a total failure. Even the ha3'land suffered 
from drouth, and what escaped the drouth w^as consumed b3^ the 
prairie fires. As this repeats itself ever3^ fall and spring, and de- 
stroys much valuable property, the fruits of many da3^s hard labor, 
means ought to be contrived to stop the nuisance of firing the 
prairie. 

A rather large vegetable garden was cultivated b3' the bo3's 
under the supervision of the gardener and nearly 4,000 trees planted, 



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HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 157 

during last year's school term; 3,000 before. 

Last 3^ear, nearly all the boys were rather small and not much 
work could be expected of them. For this reason, not much head- 
way could be made in mechanical trades. Yet, two of the largest 
were more than fairly successful in making shoes. Some also tried 
their skill at carpenter work. 

The stock 3'ards, consisting of 130 head of cattle, 11 horses, 60 
head of swine, poultry yard, were attended by the boys. Milking 
was done by them exclusively last year. Dairy work by girls. 

The girls were trained in every branch of housekeeping; cook- 
ing, baking bread, etc., sewing, mending, knitting, etc. To the 
laundry the larger and medium sized girls were detailed. Some of 
them excelled in embroidering. 

In the school room was taught to boys and girls, reading, writ- 
ing, arithmetic, geography, U. S. and Bible Histor}^ and singing. 
To religious training and exercises was given three-quarters of an 
hour ever}^ day. The order of the day was: half day school and 
half da}^ work. The smallest pupils, of whom no work could be 
expected, were occupied in the school rooms. In singing the girls 
excelled the boys last 3^ear. The latter seemed to take more pride 
in their band, which did real well, after only six months practice. 
Boys and girls swept their own rooms, made up their own beds; but 
dish washing was done exclusively by girls. 

In the month of April, Miss E. Goodale, Inspector of Public 
Education, visited our school, passed some criticisms, no doubt, 
well meant, but in m}^ estimation, overdrawn. Had Miss E. Good- 
ale tarried long enough to inquire into the histor}^ of our trials and 
difBculties, she would have been more charitable in her criticisms. 
Certain it is, it would have been more beneficial to the general 
welfare if the good lady had communicated her observations to me, 
instead of telling me we were doing a noble work here. 

Six entertainments were given during the 3^ear, on various oc- 
casions, where ever\' scholar had an opportunity to display his 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 159 

talent in orator}^ singing, etc. 

Last year a corps of teachers looked after the wants of the 
children, besides 3 employees. 

Excepting two instances, where disease took the form of an 
epidemic, measles in the fall of 1888, and La Grippe in winter of 
1890, and some few cases of scrofula, the sanitary condition was 
very good, as long as the school exists. Dr. F. Treon, of Crow 
Creek Agenc}', who has been our ph3'sician during the period of 3 
3'ears, will gladh^ bear me out in the above statement. Though 
everything was done for the little sufferers, yet we lost four cases 
during the La Grippe epidemic. 

Trusting that the above embodies all the desired information, I 
wish, Honorable Sir, to remain, 

Respectfulh^ 3^ours, 

Pius Boehm, 

Supt. of Schools 

This Mission School being along the line of the progress and 
uplifting of our common humanit}" and an institution of local pride, 
the writer feels like giving it full and complete mention, and con- 
tinued as follows: 

Under Grant's administration the various reservations were as- 
signed to the different denominations. Many of the Indians were 
clamoring for a sina sapa (black robe) and at a 4th of Jul}" cele- 
bration at Huron the}' presented a petition to the resident priest, 
F. Mahoney, a hundred or more, headed b_v Chief Tatankawanagi 
(Bull-Ghost). F. Mahoney made a visit in midwinter about the 
3'ear 1885 to Crow Creek Agenc}' and reported favorabl3^ to Bishop 
Mart3'. Soon (April 1886) F. Willard was requested to find a loca- 
tion about five miles west of the present location. Finding no 
water, he reported unfavorable and was ordered b3' the Bureau of 
the Catholic Indian Missions to go as far east until he would find 
water, hence the present location. This was the first school of the 
kind. 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA l6l 

When Father Boehm arrived here, Jan. 21, 1886, over a sea of 
snow from Highmore, coming up from Fort Smith, Arkansas, in 
company of Bishop Mart3% his spirits were at the lowest end of the 
thermometer. The Indians learning that a priest had arrived, a 
few days after paid their respects and a caravan of thirty-five teams 
or more arrived. Father Boehm peeped through the window and, 
tenderfoot as he was, was not very favorably impressed by their ap- 
pearance and examined whether his six shooter was in good condi- 
tion for active service. He was not so much afraid of the bucks, 
but much more of the squaws, who had from five to six knives stuck 
around their belts in full sight. Later on he learned these were for 
the purpose of carving beeves and that was the women's job. 

All afternoon w^as spent in pow-wowing and this is the recep- 
tion Father Boehm got. Chief Bull-Ghost made a very compli- 
mentary speech, but Standing Elk's remained in his memory ever 
since: 

"God made the earth, and all this land was made for the In- 
dians; (making a sweep with his brawny arm to take in everything 
God ever made, ) the white man is coming in here to root up the 
ground like the pigs, and if you came in for our land, we will kick 
you out." 

This did not raise Father Boehm's spirits to a very high degree 
and timid as he was, he sketched his reply and here it is. (Through 
an interpreter, James White, whom Father Boehm had brought 
from Yankton. 

"We are strangers, but friends — we left good houses and homes 
and came here. Why did we come here? Is it after the Indians' 
land? No, we know the Indians are poor; we know too the govern- 
ment and some white men cheated them out of very much. • Why 
are we here in such an uncivilized land, far from home, in a wild 
country, where thera ' no cultivated land, no one to cheer you, no 
barking of friendly canine (he saw quite a few since), no birds to 
sing the songs of the forest, etc.? It is for the Indians' welfare and 



l62 HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 

the welfare of their children. We wish to show and teach them 
the sweets of the white man's ways. For this purpose the Immac- 
ulate Conception Mission School will be established and we shall 
do all we can for them. They shall have plenty to eat, they will 
get three suits of clothes every 3^ear, medicines when they take sick; 
we shall teach them to read and write and make nice things and be 
like white people. You must send all your children and not let 
them run away and we all want to be friends, etc. etc." 

Father Boehm must have made some favorable impression if 
their "hows" were any indication, and handshaking was in order; 
but soon he was up a stump when they asked for meat and there 
was none. A frozen pig and a dog, however, were not declined 
and Father Boehm had an opportunity to notice why the squaws 
carried butcher knives. 

This was Father Boehm's first experience with Indians and many 
times they ate them out of house and home, so that there was not 
enough left to make a meal. For weeks there was nothing to eat 
but black coffee, bread and potatoes with their jackets on, spiced 
with the humorous remark of Bishop Marty on his first visit "put 
plenty salt on." Things grew desperate toward Easter, 1887, and 
Father Boehm sent in his resignation to three different points in 
order to abandon the work. Instead of it being accepted, substan- 
tial relief arrived in the form of a big check and after an elapse of 
21 years and more, Father Boehm is doing business at the old stand 
still. 

In March of the same year the first two sisters, Magdalene and 
Wilhelmina, O. S. B., came. The latter froze to death on that 
memorable 12th of January, 1888, mentioned elsewhere in this book. 

The people of Hyde County know Father Pius well and this is 
the familiar way in which he is generally mentioned. To address 
him properly it would be Rev. Pius Boehm, O. S. B. He was born 
February 12, 1852, near the village of Troy, Indiana. His parents 
emigrated to this country from Bavaria, but when he was about a 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 163 

3'ear old he was adopted by an aged uncle and aunt who were child- 
less. His early education was received in the public schools at his 
home, but later, at the age of thirteen, he entered St. Meinrad's 
College and there completed his entire course of studies. He was 
an athlete in his younger days, was captain of his nine, an expert 
swimmer and saved the life of a fellow student. In 1870 he donned 
the habit of St. Benedict and took the name of Pius, by which he 
has since been known. He was first assigned to duty in Jasper and 
Ferdinand, Indiana, and afterwards spent several years as rector of 
St. Henry's church at St. Henry, Indiana, and in 1886 was sent to 
Fort Smith, Arkansas, where he organized the St. Bonafice parish. 
Ill health caused his return to his monastery at Meinrad; but not 
long afterward he came to the Mission here. 

Rev. Ambrose Mattingly, O. S. B. is principal of the Mission 
School and fills an important place there as missionary, teacher 
and disciplinarian. He was born in Eureka, Indiana, September 
8, 1865. His earl}^ education was in the public schools, and at the 
age of fifteen commenced his studies for the priest-hood at St. 
Meinrad's College. He entered the Benedictine Order July 25, 
1886 and assumed his present position in the Immaculate Concep- 
tion Mission School Aug. 30, 1888. 

As a 3'oung man the former arrived in the early fall of 1888, 
passed through all the hardships of a pioneer, participated in the 
weal and woes of the institution, is today the missionary and mov- 
ing spirit, and the photographer, who so kindh^ furnished these 
pictures. 

Rev. Sister M. Edwards Shonly, Sister Superior at the Mission, 
was born at Mary Maryville, Mo., Feb. 22, 1876. She is familiarly 
known as Sr. Edwards, an affable and accomplished lady, untiring and 
energetic in her work, took up her burdens in the fall of the year 1896, 
borne them ever since heroically without interruption, is the main- 
spring and mainstay of the welfare of her little charges; she is 
best described as "little mother" of the house. Both have ren- 



l64 HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 

dered invaluable services in their respective spheres and to thern 
the institution is indebted for most of its success. 

Under Postmaster General William F.Vilas, the Rev. P. Boehm 
was appointed postmaster at Stephan, April 12, 1887, and has held 
the office to this date without interruption. 



CHAPTER X 



G. A. R. 

Whenever the words "Grand Army of the RepubHc" are 
spoken^ it awakens in the mind of he who hears them, a feeHng of 
profound respect for eyery one of the boys in blue, who, when the 
Republic was in ganger, when an armed force was gathering in 
southern states for no other purpose than to destroy the Union, they 
enrolled themselves as loyal citizens of the country to fight for the 
preservation of the United States, its liberties and its institutions, 
and marched to the front where many laid down their lives; others 
have carried the scars of the conflict through life, and some of them 
still survive who command the highest of respect from a grateful 
people. As these veterans pass one by one over to the silent ma- 
jority they are kept in memory by an annual pilgrimage to their 
graves, where loyal and loving hands lay upon their mounds in the 
cemetery flowers and tokens of remembrance. The members of the 
post here were quite numerous at one time, but death and the re- 
moval of some have greatly diminished the ranks so that now but 
few remain. We would gladly have given a complete record of 
each individual member of the post, past as well as present, but we 
are unable to do so; we can only give fully those who are with us, 
where we can learn it from their own lips. 

John A. Dix Post was organized in Highmore in 1883. Its first, 
or what is generally called charter members, consisted of the follow- 
ing named old soldiers: 

Jacob T. Haight, who entered the service August 30, 1861, in 
Co. G 2nd Iowa Cavalry^ was corporal and was discharged Ma}' 15, 
1865. Mr. Haight was an attorney at Highmore for several years 
and was , County Judge. He now resides at Hydro, Oklahoma. 



i66 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



Edson O. Parker, who enlisted August 21, 1861, in Co. F New 
York Volunteers as musician, and was discharged May 27, 1865. 
Mr. Parker came to Highmore at an early day, held several impor- 
tant offices, and now resides at San Diego, California. 

John Blundell enlisted in Co. F Wisconsin Volunteers, in June, 
1861, and was discharged July 27, 1865. He was one of the early 
residents and was section foreman here for several years. He now 

resides at Sioux City, Iowa. 

Benjamin A. Foote, who is 
m o re particularly mentioned 
further on. 

James Garvie entered the ser- 
vice in September, 1864, in Co. 
E. 4th Iowa Volunteers and was 
discharged June 15, 1865. He 
was an early settler in Highmore, 
engaged for several years in the 
lumber business and died at Hot 
Springs, S. D., in 1907. 

John C. Stoner, mentioned 
further on. . 

G. Barkhuff enlisted in Co. D, 
30th Missouri Volunteers August 
27, 1864, and was discharged in 
June, 1865. He was one of the 
early settlers here, he died about twelve years ago. 

Samuel Major entered the service July 4, 1861. He enHsted 
and was ist Sargeant in Co. D. 2nd Maryland Volunteers and was 
discharged in October 1865. He was here at quite an early day, 
kept the only stopping place at the old section house. He died 
several years ago at a soldiers home in theState of Washington. 

Norman F. Bates enlisted in October, 1861, in'Co. E. 4th Iowa 
Cavalry and was discharged in August, 1865, acting as Sargeant. 




E. W. LOWE 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



167 



He opened an agricultural house in Highmore at an early day, 
moved to California several years ago, and still resides there at San 
Diego. 

James B. Babcock enlisted Sept. 3, 1864, in Co. F. ist Wiscon- 
sin Volunteers and was discharged June 26, 1865. We do not know 
his present address. 

James Barber enlisted August 15, 1862, in Co. J. 92nd Illinois 
Infantry and was discharged June 
8, 1865. He was one of our earli- 
est settlers. He died Jul}' 27, 
1900, leaving his wife and several 
children, who still reside in 
Hyde county. 

Francis McKirk enlisted Oct. 
24, 1861, in Co. H. 55 Illinois In- 
fantry and was discharged in 
August, 1865. 

S. R. Meigs is mentioned later 
on, also C. E. Case. 

Benj. F. McCutchecn enlisted 
August 20, 1864, and was dis- 
charged in August, 1865. He 
served in Co. F. 8th Illinois In- 
fantry. ^^^^ ROBINSON 

Paul Hendricks was Sergeant in Co. C. ist Iowa Cavalry, and 
enlisted August 15, 1862, discharged March 15, 1866. He was an 
early resident in Hyde county and much to the regret of all of us 
moved to Miller, S. D., about two years ago where he still resides. 

E. E. Barnes enlisted August i, 1861, in Co. E. 27th Indiana 
Infantry and was discharged December 15, 1864. 

Geo. W. Sanders enlisted in Oct., 1861, was Captain in Co. B. 
85th Pennsylvania Volunteers and discharged December 15, 1865. 

Samuel G. Trine enlisted April 4, 1862, and was Sergeant in 





RESIDENCE OF W. B. HAMLIN. HIGHMORE, S. D. 



,[' n. 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 169 

Co. F. Illinois Infantry, discharged September 28, 1864. He was 
an early resident of Highmore; was a painter by trade. He died in 
Pierre, S. D., in 1907. 

The above list comprises as near as we can tell by the records, 
the original or charter members of John A. Dix Post at Highmore. 
In all there have been about fifty enrolled upon the books of this 
Post and at present there are living in Hyde county the following 
named old soldiers: 

CAPT. O. R. VAN ETTEN 

Capt. O. R. Van Etten, the veteran temperance lecture, is a 
native of New York. He was born on a farm in Cayuga county, 
July 14, 1834, and his early day education was obtained in the coun- 
t}^ schools, with other farm boys, until at the age of 17, when he 
attended Moravia Seminary, where at the age of 20, he commenced 
teaching school, until the breaking out of the civil war, when he 
enlisted as a private in First N. Y. Battery, which was raised in the 
city of Auburn. Going through the war, he was engaged in 33 
hard fought battles with the 6th army corps of the Potomac and at 
the close of the war came out Captain of the battery to which he 
belonged. He was wounded at the battle of Cold Harbor, June 3, 
1864, 3-nd carries a souvenir of the event in the shape of a bullet 
which passed almost through his right arm and which he himself 
removed with a razor. Another leaden missile passed through his 
left leg, which he says moved so rapidly that he did not catch it. 
An incident worth mentioning is, that while at home on a furlough 
with his wounded arm in a sling, he was invited to make an address 
in the city of Auburn for the benefit of sick and wounded sol- 
diers, while addressing, he fainted and fell over, after which the 
hat was passed and a collection taken, which amounted to $1635.00 
Captain says he delivered many other addresses after that for the 
same cause, but was never able to faint although he tried hard. 
At the close of the war, Capt. Van Etten was appointed Deputy 
Sheriff of Cayuga county, N. Y., in which office he gained quite a 



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FEED STORE OF M. E. MILLER. HIGHMORE, S. D. 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA I7I 

reputation as a private detective, and it was, while engaged in this 
work, that there was born within his soul, the urgent desire to be 
an instrument in the hand of God for putting down one of the 
greatest curses of our nation, the liquor traffic; to which cause he 
has since given 30 3^ears of his life. He has lectured all the way be- 
* tween the two oceans, twice from California to Maine, and has 
crossed the ocean and lectured in England, Ireland, Scotland and 
Wales, also in Canada. In his wanderings over the earth, he was 
mostly attracted to the Dakotas, which he sa3^s is the "Hub of the 
Universe" and he never loses an opportunity to speak its praises in 
which ever country he may be. 

In November, 1883, the day after the survey was made, he filed 
on a tree claim in Hyde county, S. D., and on the 12th day of De- 
cember he put up the first building in what is Illinois township. In 
the spring of 1884 he first went to his new home driving an ox team 
from Huron to his claim, "j^j miles. He then commenced breaking 
and improving his farm, but continued his lecture work from fall 
until spring, each year, and kept improving his farm and increasing 
it until it numbered 480 acres. 

In the fall of 1889 he was elected to the last Territorial Legis- 
lature. During that time he introduced House Bill 55, which was 
to strike out the word male from our laws in regard to who had a 
right to vote. 

In his lecture work in the Dakotas, he has delivered 1876 lec- 
tures. 

The entire number of lectures delivered in various places on 
temperance numbers over 8,000. The Captain although having 
given 30 years to the temperance work, is still hale and hearty as a 
man of 50, and has great hope that the "White Flag" will float 
over every home at no distant da3\ 

Captain Van Etten married Matilda S. McLean, a lady of 
Scotch descent, in 1857. She was a woman of kind and charitable 
nature, respected by all who knew her. She was with the Captain 




FACULTY OF HIGHMORE PUBLIC SCHOOL 1907:03 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 173 

in all his Hyde county experiences on the claim and died here in 
1905. Her portrait is on another page. Later on in 1907 he was 
married to Mrs. Mary Charlesworth. Their home is in Hyde county, 
although the Captain spends the greater part of his time in the lec- 
ture field, accompanied by his wife. Their portrait is on another 
page. 

JOHN C. STONER, SR. 

Was born February 21, 1844 in Muskingum county, Ohio; re- 
moved with his parents to Williamsport, Warren county, Indiana, 
in the spring of 1849; his father died there in November, 1853; 
removed with his mother and two brothers 3^ounger to his mother's 
family in Grant count3\ Wisconsin, arriving there on Januar}" i, 
1854; lived there until November, 1857, then removed to Harrison 
county, Mo.; resided there until March, 1883; then came to 
Hyde count.v, South Dakota. 

Entered the army in Co. G. 7th Missouri Infantry September, 
1861; six months troops as a musician; was discharged about 
March 20th, 1862, on account of expiration of term of service; re- 
enlisted March 29th, 1862, in Company E, 3rd Regiment, Cavalr}^ 
Missouri Volunteers; was captured by the Confederates at fight at 
Newtonia, Missouri, on the 13th day of September, 1862; was in the 
Old Indian Fort at Fort Smith, confined in the old guard house 
until in November of that year; was also held prisoner at Little 
Rock, Ark., and finality sent to Hellany, Ark., and turned over to 
the Federals to await exchange; from there he was sent to parole 
camp at St. Louis, Mo. ; after a furlough was sent to Company at 
Oceola, Mo., April ist, 1863. During absence from the Regiment 
it had been consolidated with the 6th Missouri Cavalry and then 
served in Co. G. of that Regiment until June, 1864. On October 4, 
1863, was captured with the entire command at battle of Neoshoe, 
Mo., but they were paroled on the ground, and declared exchanged 
during the winter of 1864. In June, 1864, re-enlisted as a veteran 
in the 13th Regiment Cavalr}' Missouri Volunteers. Served in the 




MR. AND MRS. H. E. TAGG AND SON RICHARD 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 175 

Indian war on the western plains until Sept., 1865; was detailed as 
a clerk at Department Headquarters at St. Louis in September 
the same 3^ear, and was finally discharged at St. Louis February 11, 
1866. 

The above is a statement condensed of Mr. Stoner's arm}- 
record. He was an earh' settler in Hyde County and a charter 
member of the John A. Dix Post. He has held the office of County 
Judge, Clerk of Courts and Auditor in Hyde Count}^ and has been 
a Justice of the Peace for man}' years, all of which establishes his 
favorable standing with the people of H3'de Count}'. 

B. A. FOOTE 

Benjamin A. Foote was born in New York state on the 21st 
day of September, 1843. He was married to Miss Lydia M. 
Burrows Sept. 22, 1870. He left New York state with his wife in 
March, 1872, and went to Nebraska where he farmed, and under 
the adverse conditions of that new country at that time, his four 
years of farming were wasted, for the grasshoppers harvested the 
crops. In 1876 he left Nebraska and went to Iowa where he lived 
until the spring of 1883, when he moved to Hyde County, S. D., 
where he took up a government claim, opened a farm and once 
more was up against the unfavorable circumstances of a new coun- 
try, but wrestled through it, until in 1896 he was elected to the 
office of Register of Deeds and held this position for four years. 
Following that he was elected Treasurer of Hyde County which 
office he held for four years. 

During the Civil War Mr. Foote took part in it from start to 
finish. He enlisted November 30th, 1861, for three years or during 
the war, and was soon after appointed Commissary Sergeant of 
the regiment. His first enlistment was in the 76th Regiment, New 
York Volunteers but served only two years, for the reason that the 
government desired a re-enlistment at that time, for three years 
more, making a five years service, hence he re-enlisted Jan. ist, 
1863, and at the expiration of the term of service of his regiment, 




MR. AND MRS. GEORGE W. COMSTOCK 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 1 77 

while in the field at Cnlpeper, Virginia, he was transferred as Com- 
missar}^ Sergeant to the 147th New York Regiment, and at the end 
of the term of service of this regiment was transferred to the 91st 
Regiment as State Commissary Sergeant and held this position 
until the close of the war. He was with the Army of the Potomac 
in all its campaigns, at Fredericksburg, Bull Run, Chancellorville, 
Wilderness, Antietam, Gett3'sburg, and at all other places where 
the Army participated, and was present and saw the surrender of 
General Lee's army at x\ppomatox April 9th, 1865. From there he 
marched with his regiment to \\'ashington, D. C, and took part in 
the two days grand review of General Grant and General Sherman's 
armies and was discharged Jul}' 3rd, 1865. 

Mr. Fcote is a quiet but highly respected citizen of Hyde 
County: is prominently identified with the Methodist Church, has 
been very efficient as a public officer and his integrity has never 
been questioned. He is still in the treasurer's office acting as deputy. 

He has four daughters, Alice E. who married S. S. Meigs, Amy 
J. who married H. A. McDonald and Rose G. who married W. G. 
McLaughlin, all of whom reside in Highmore. The youngest 
daughter, Eennie Bee N., is still with her parents but is attending 
school at Huron. 

RICHARD p. PILKINGTON 

Mr. Pilkington was born in Bedford Burrough, Bedford Co., 
Pa., July 22, 1840. He enlisted in the service at his home town 
in response to the call of President Lincoln for seventy-five thous- 
and volunteers, on April 26th, 1861. The call was for three months 
service, which ended July 30th, 1861, when Mr. Pilkington received 
his discharge at Harrisburg, Pa. He then re-enlisted Sept. 5, 1861, 
in Company E 76th Penns}'lvania Infantry, and his service in the 
Civil War continued until the i8th day of July, 1865. During 
the three months he was under the command of Gen, Patterson 
and after his re-enlistment he \sas under several different command- 
ers among whom were Generals Hunter, Mitchell and Gerry and 




MASTERS DONALD AND SUMNER HARRIS 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 179 

was in the southern department until in 1864, when his regiment 
was made part of the Arm}' of the Potomac. He was in frequent 
engagements among which was the battle of James Island, Morris 
Island, T3'be Island and the reduction of Ft. Pulaski; was front of 
Fort Sumpter and Charleston about a year, firing at intervals on 
both, and made two charges on Ft. Wagner; was in Spotsylvania a 
short time, went to Cold Harbor, then front of Petersburg and 
after that at Deep Bottom. At this latter place he was wounded 
which sent him to the hospital at Fortress Monroe about a month. 
He left the hospital in October, 1864, and was afterwards at Ber- 
muda Hundred under the command of General B. F, Butler. They 
undertook to reduce Fort Fisher and Fort Buchanan in North 
Carolina but were unsuccessful, but under Gen. A. H. Gerry an- 
other attempt was made in which they succeeded. They then 
marched through North Carolina in the spring of 1865 and joined 
the army of Gen. W. T. Sherman. While between Wilmington 
and Raleigh they heard the good news of the surrender of Lee's 
army, and the sad news of the assassination of President Lincoln. 
Was at Raleigh when Johnson surrendered, and remained there 
until Jul}^ 1865, when he was honorabl}' discharged. 

Mr. Pilkington went into the army as a private, but a few 
months afterward was promoted to sergeant. After that he was 
further promoted to 2nd lieutenant, then to ist lieutenant and then 
to that of captain, which rank he held at the time of his discharge. 
Some years afterward he went into the mining district of Nevada, 
and in 1880 b}^ an explosion in a silver mine he lost his eye sight 
entirely and has remained blind ever since. He settled in Wash- 
ington Township, this county, in April, 1883, and put up the first 
claim house, 12x16, in that township. He has remained in the 
county since that time and now resides with his wife in Highmore. 
The people of Hyde County need not be told that Captain Pilking- 
ton is one of the best of men for they know it already. He com- 
mands the respect of ail. 



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history of hyde county, south dakota l8l 

William B. Hamlin 
Mr. Hamlin was born at Pottsdam, St. Lawrence County, New 
York, March 22, 1841. He enlisted at Bellville, in Jefferson Coun- 
ty, New York, as a private, April 7, 1861, in Captain Jack Barney's 
Co. K 24th New York Volunteer Infantry for the period of two 
years. The regiment was organized in Elmira, New York and left 
there for Washington July ist, 1861, and reached their destination 
in time to spend the 4th in the capital city. They went into camp 
on the 17th near Georgetown, and received their first arms, the 
Harper's Ferry musket, old flint locks made over into cap locks. 
The}' were then drilled continually in the manuel of arms and tar- 
get practice until Sunday, the 21st day of Juh', when the}' were 
marched to the arsenal where the old guns were turned in and in 
their places they received the Enfield rifle. The regiment then 
marched across the long bridge into Virginia and advanced about 
ten miles to Baily's cross roads where they met McDowell's retreat- 
ing army which had been defeated and demoralized at Bull Run. 
They remained in that vicinity as a part of McClellan's grand army 
until the spring of 1862 when they advanced on Manassus, captur- 
ing the line of fortifications which the "Johnnies" had occupied 
during the winter of 1861-2. In the spring of 1862, when McClellan 
embarked his army for the James, they were left with McDowell's 
army which advanced to the Rappahannock River and captured 
the city of Fredericksburg. Their first great battle was the second 
Bull Run under Gen. John Pope. Here Mr. Hamlin was wounded 
and was taken prisoner; was paroled on the field and sent 
through the lines under a flag of truce to Alexandria where he re- 
mained until he was exchanged. He then rejoined the army under 
Burnside, engaged in the battle of Fredericksburg and Chancellors- 
ville under Gen. Hooker and was mustered out of service May 29th, 
1863, which was the expiration of his enlistment. He then re-en- 
listed as sergeant in Company F ist New York Veteran Cavalry on 
the first of Sept., 1863 for three years or during the war. He joined 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 183 

the arm}" of the Shenandoah at Harper's Ferry, took part in the 
campaigns under Sieg-el, Hunter, Crook and Sheridan, and after 
the valley campaign ended in the fall of 1864, was sent to the 
Kanawah Valley where the}^ were engaged in scouting and bush- 
whacking until the close of the war. He was mustered out of 
service Jul}- 20th, 1865, after having served a little more than four 
years. 

Mr. Hamlin came to Hyde County in the spring of 1883 from 
Chicago, 111., and settled on a government homestead. We asked 
him what he had to say for himself since his arrival here and re- 
plying said he had no great success but had alwa3s managed to pay 
his debts and keep the wolf from the door, but the writer will add 
to this that Mr. Hamlin and his famil}^ after residing on the farm 
several years, moved to Highmore, bought a ver}' fine residence 
property and are taking life easy. He has been police justice several 
years and is now chief of police in Highmore. His oldest son, 
Norman, is a prosperous former near Sioux Falls, S. D.; his son, 
Will, is a highh" respected citizen of Hyde County living on his 
farm near Holabird. James and Mary are both at home in High- 
more while Grace is married to Fred Cor win and they reside at 
Pa)'allup, Washington. 

HENDERSON VvINANS 

Mr. Winans was born in Miami county, Ohio, on December 12, 
1835, ^nd his likeness, seen on page 35, was takeii on his 72nd 
birthday in 1907. 

He came to Wisconsin with his father and four brothers in 
1843 and they settled at Council Hill, a small town near Galena, 
111. 

In 1856, in company with two friends, he went to the "Pine- 
ries" as central Wisconsin was then known, locating near Stevens 
Point, in which county (Portage) he remained a number of years. 

He engaged in the lumber business until his enlistment in Co. 
B. 14th Regiment Wisconsin Infantry in 1863. Was married Jan. 




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MR. AND MRS. C, K. MORTON AND FAMILY 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 185 

2, i85o, to Lavinia E. Wood worth. He left his wife and bab.y, A. 
D. Winans, a year old when he joined his company at Madison, 
Wisconsin, January 4, 1864. 

He participated in the siege of Atlanta where he received an 
injury to his spine, vv^hich left him unfit for manual labor for nearly 
two years. He was at Vicksburg with Grant, with Sherman at 
Atlanta, with Thomas at Nashville and Canby at the taking of 
Mobile. He was in the hospital forty days, from where he was sent 
to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, reporting to Surgeon General E. B. Wol- 
cott, and later discharged with the balance of his company^ at Mad- 
ison, Wisconsin, in October, 1805. He came to Beadle count}^ S. 
D., in 1883, and to Hyde county in March, 1884, settling in Van 
Order township, where he resided for five years. 

In 1892 he purchased the dra}' business of W^rn. Little; the suc- 
ceeding fall himself and son bought the liver\' stock of Clark & 
Hague and after five years he sold out his interest to his son, A. 
D. After spending the summer trying to find a better location, he 
returned to H3'de county and rook a homestead in Eagle township, 
proved up in five years and has resided in Highmore ever since. 

He is a loyal member of John A. Dix Post and has been for 16 
years. He attended two national encampments and five state re- 
unions. 

Mr. Winans and wife still reside in Highmore, taking life eas}', 
and the}' command the highest respect of the communit}'. 

Adolph Walther 

Mr. Walther has not been long a resident of Hyde Count3% 
came to Highmore in March, 1906, built a very nice residence and 
takes life eas}'. He was born in Germany in 1836, emigrated to 
this country' and took part in the civil war. He enlisted in Com- 
pany E 20th Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers at Watertown, Wis., 
on the I2th da}' of August, 1802, and received an honorable dis- 
charged at Galveston, Texas, in 1865. He was in nine important 
battles among which were Prairie Grove, Springfield, Mo., Mobile 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 187 

and Fort Morgan. He is a quiet, unassuming man and a good 
neighbor. 

Charles E. Case 
Mr. Case was born in Williamstown, Oswego count3% New York, 
March 23, 1842. On the 23rd day of August, 1862, he enhsted in 
Co. A 1 10 New York State Volunteers for three years or during the 
war. He enhsted at Oswego City, where his regiment was organ- 
ized, went from there to Baltimore, and then spent two months 
drilling at Patterson Park, Md. Went from there to New Orleans 
in the fall of 1862 and made winter camp at Algiers. In the spring 
of 1863 his regiment went north into the interior of Louisiana near 
Opelousas, where they performed provost dut}^ which resulted in 
their return to New Orleans with a train load of contraband negroes 
and cotton from up the Mississippi river. Went to Port Hudson 
in June, 1863, where a charge was made, and soon after, Vicksburg 
surrendered, also Port Hudson. The}^ then went from that point 
to Dry Tortugas, Florida, which was in the spring of 1865, where 
they performed garrison dut}' until x\ugust, 1865, when orders came 
to proceed to x\lbany. New York, for final discharge and Mr. Case 
was discharged September 28, 1865. He was under the command 
of Gen. Banks at first, and while at New Orleans under the com- 
mand of Gen. Butler. In 1863 while marching to Opelousas they 
encountered a rebel force, which made a stand and threw up 
breastworks, but were routed, but a comical feature of the conflict 
was, their fighting was mosth^ on a sweet potato patch, where the 
fighting soldiers between times would dig out a potato with their 
bayonet, and were munching these while pouring the lead into the 
en em}'. 

Mr. Case came to Hyde count}^ in 1884, settled on a claim in 
Illinois township, and in 1893 secured residence property in High- 
more, where he and his wife now reside. Mr. Case bears his sixty- 
six years lightly, is active and respected as a citizen. 



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history of hyde county, south dakota 189 

John E. Whipple 
Mr. Whipple is a Vermont Yankee, born in Brattleboro, that 
state, August 29, 1835. He enhsted in the ist Vermont Cavalry 
September i, 1861, at his native town for three years. His regi- 
ment was organized at Burlington, Vermont, and from there went 
to Washington, D. C, and was under drill during that winter. 
Joined the army of the Potomac. Was under General Porter and 
also under Gen. Banks. Was with Banks in his retreat across the 
Potomac to Winchester, and after that under Gen. Pope. Was in 
the Cedar Mountain fight and in the second Bull Run fight, also in 
the fight at Gettysburg, and afterwards started for Antietam, but 
was changed over to the defense of Washington. After that went 
with Gen. Grant to the Wilderness, and then with Gen. Sheridan 
to the Shenandoah Valley and while at Cedar Creek his time ex- 
pired and he was mustered out November 14, 1864. In April, 1884, 
Mr. Whipple came to Hyde county and settled with his family on 
a government claim and has resided here ever since. He has 
wrestled with the adverse conditions of a new countr}^ herein Hyde 
county along with the rest of us, but now owns two quarter 
sections of land is well-to-do and prosperous. As a citizen he is 
quiet and unassuming, but is the soul of honor and one of the best 
of Hyde county citizens. 

James L. Humphrey 
Mr. Humphre}^ enlisted at Camp Butler in the state of Illinois 
and was enrolled Sept. 30, 1864. He could not have enlisted earlier 
in the war on account of his age, and as it was he did not reach 
the required age, which was eighteen, until a week after he was 
enrolled. He enlisted for one year or during the war and had no 
other expectation than to go at once into actual service and no 
doubt would have been so engaged, but for the close of the war in 
1865. The government at that time was having serious work in 
rounding up men who had been drafted and in getting them to the 
front, in fact a large body of soldiers were detached for that very pur- 






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LIVERY AND FEED BARN OF A. D. WINANS, HIGHMORE, D. S. 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA I9I 

pose. He enlisted in Company G 146 Illinois Infantry Volunteers 
and in service the headquarters of his regiment was at Camp But- 
tler. During- the winter following his enlistment, he was engaged 
in that detached service of gathering up stragglers and drafted 
men and marching them to the front. There were then "bounty 
jumpers," men who had received a bounty and then deserted. Mr. 
Humphrey with his comrades had one fellow in the guard house 
who had jumped the bounty nine times, and caught at last he was 
soon after shot. They were in several different states, and con- 
stantly on the march. On account of sickness Mr. Huniphrey went 
to the hospital and while at the hospital, having been there about 
a month, was honorably discharged from the service June 12, 1865. 
Mr. Humphrey was born in Washington, Kentucky, Sept. 15, 
1846, moved with his father to Illinois in 1856, married to Elizabeth 
Moore December 27, 1868, and came to Hyde county in March, 
1884, and still resides here with his wife. He is in good comfortable 
circumstances and commands the respect of his neighbors and of the 
community in which he lives. 

Jacob Myers 
Mr. Myers was born in Washington county, Maryland, in 1848 
and lived in Buckley county, West Virginia, during the civil war. 
He enlisted in the 3rd Virginia Cavalry Company C in 1863 for 
three years or during the war. Mr. Myers served under General 
Sheridan, who is known in history as one of the bravest and most 
gallant of military officers during that terrible conflict, and under 
the General fought in all the battles from the Potomac to the 
Shenandoah Valley and was at City Point when it was taken from 
them. When it was known that Johnson had surrendered they 
went to Washington City and then to Wheeling, where Mr. Myers 
was discharged. Pie was an early settler in Hyde county, and with 
his good wife has brought up their family here, all of whom still 
reside here. He is a good citizen, has a competence and in the en- 
joyment of good health. 



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HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA I93 

E. W. Lowe 
Mr. Lowe was born in New York state on the 4th day of 
August, 1833. He enlisted in Co. H New York volunteers on the 
9th day of August, 1862. The regiment was mounted and went 
under the name "ist Regiment of Dragoons." After his enlistment 
he was promoted to corporal, and once at the front he was with 
his regiment in all their engagements, at Deserted Farm, Black 
Water, Franklin, Suffolk, Peach Orchard, on the Peninsula, and in 
numerous raids in other parts of Virginia. Late in the fall of 1863 
the regiment was sent to the Rapidan and did picket duty that 
following winter, where the rebel army was on one side of the river 
and the union army on the other side. On Ma}^ 5, 1864, the regi- 
ment broke camp and crossed the river at Early's Ford, when the 
battle of the Wilderness commenced, and it was decidedly a hot 
place. May 7, 1864, the regiment with other cavalry was sent on 
a flank movement with their destination at White House Landing. 
It succeeded in flanking Fitz Hugh Lee's force, but a son of Gen. 
Lee scented their trail, made it hot for them all along the march, 
and at the Yellow Tavern near South Anna River the two forces 
met in a fierce artiller}^ duel and cavalry charge. Here the rebel 
General Stewart was killed, they lost seven pieces of artillery and 
many prisoners were taken. Here Mr. Lowe was captured and 
taken to Libby prison and afterwards from there to Andersonville, 
where he remained until late in February, 1865. At that time he 
with others was paroled and taken to Willmington, where he met 
Col. Thorp and other officers of his regiment, and went with them on 
a boat to Annapolis, and was honorably discharged from the arm}' 
May 9, 1865. After the close of the war he worked at his trade in 
Minneapolis, Minn., and moved from there to Hyde County, arriv- 
ing here July 23, 1895. He brought with him five Jersey calves, 
his household goods and five dollars in money, went to the old 
Thayer place in Highmore township, prospered from then on until 




MISS FRANKIE WINANS 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA I95 

he owns half a section of land, a considerable amount of stock and 
does not owe a dollar to an}^ living- man. 

George W. Comstock 
On page 176 will be noticed a portrait of George W. Comstock 
and his wife. Mr. Comstock was a member of the John A. Dix 
post. He was born in New York state, enrolled in the service Feb. 
10, 1864, in the 2nd Wisconsin Infantr}' and was discharged in July, 
1865, being a corporal at that time. He settled in Eden Township 
in the early eighties and later was a resident of Highmore and died 
in Minnesota in 1907. He was an honest, conscientious citizen, 
and one of the best of men. His wife survives him, with two sons 
one John F., who is in business at the Cheyenne Indian Agency, 
the other, G. C, resides at Highmore. 

Ebenezer Shoff 
Ebenezer Shoff is also a member of the post. He entered the 
service Sept. i, 1861, in the 85th New York Volunteer Infantry and 
was discharged on account of disability in April, 1863. He resides 
on a farm in Union Township and is one of the. substantial citizens 
of Hyde County. 

Levi Loucks 
Levi Loucks was a member of the post, born in Michig-an and 
died there several years ago. He enlisted in the 15th Michigan 
Volunteer Infantry May 2, 1861, and was discharged Sept. 18, 1865, 
after a service of more than four years. He resided in Hyde 
County for several years and later moved to Michigan. His two 
sons, J. R. and George, still reside here. 

Sydney A. Dimmick 
Sydney A. Dimmick was a member of the post, was born in 
Pennsylvania, enlisted in the 144 New York Infantry Sept. 15, 1862, 
and was discharged in July, 1865. He died here several years ago, 
coming to Hyde County along among the first settlers. His wife 
now resides in Highmore. 




M^^i^ 



AN AUTOMOBILE SCENE HIGHMORE, S. D. 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 197 

Dow G. France 

Dow G. France was an early settler in Hyde County, in Hola- 
bird Township. He was born in Sharon. New York state, and 
enlisted in the loth Wisconsin Infantry Sept. i6, 1861, was dis- 
charged Nov. 4, 1865, and was a member of the post. He was an 
honest man, of decided convictions and never hesitated to express 
his opinion upon all subjects. He died in Missouri several 3xars 
ago. 

Henry P. French 

Henry P. French was born in the state of Vermont and en- 
listed in Co. A 9th Vermont Infantr}^ Dec. 26, 1863, and was dis- 
charged June I2th, 1865. He resided in Hyde County several 
years, but went away several years ago and now resides at 
Owatonna, Minnesota. 

H. A. Miller 
H. A. Miller was born in Germany, enlisted Sept. 7, 1864, in 
Company D 211 Pennsylvania Infantry and was discharged Aug. 28, 
1865. He was an early settler in Hyde County, was prominent in 
his township and had the confidence of all who knew him. 
He was a member of the John A. Dix post. He died in Hyde 
Count}^ in 1907. 

D. O. Welch 
D. O. Welch was a resident of Hyde County for several years 
and was a member of the post. He enlisted in Sept., 1864, in Co. 
D 189 New York volunteers and was discharged in July, 1865. He 
resided on a farm, raised his family here and some of his children 
being residents of Highmore now. The portrait of Mr. Welch and 
his wife will be seen on page 141. 

James Garvie 
James Garvie was born in Scotland. He enlisted in Sept., 
1864, in Co. E 4th Iowa volunteer infantry and was discharged 
June 15, 1865. He resided in Highmore many years engaged prin- 







'«iS!8ffi^^&«^^^^Ik-SSlA^^S^T!«f^!^ 



LOOKING NORTH FROM CORNER OF IOWA AVENUE AND SECOND STREET 

HIGHMORE, S. D. 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA I99 

cipally in the lumber business. He died at Hot Springs, S. D., in 
1907. He was a member of the post. 

G. Barkhuff 
G. Barkhuff is enrolled upon the post records. He enlisted in 
the arni}^ Aug. 27, 1864 and served in Co. D 30th Missouri volun- 
teers until June, 1865, when he was discharged. He resided at 
Highmore several years in the wagon repair business and died in 
the western part of the state several years ago. 

William A. Loomis 
William A. Loomis, an early resident of the county and for 
whom Loomis township was named, was a member of the John A. 
Dix Post. No mention is made on the record as to his enlistment, 
but he served in the Civil War. He now resides at St. Lawrence 
in Hand County, S. D., and is further mentioned under the Loomis 
Township mention. 

Wm. C. Wooley 
Wm. C. Wooley enlisted in Company H. of the 25th Michigan 
Infantry when that regiment was organized in 1862 and in October 
of that year the regiment left the state for active participation in 
the great struggle. In April, 1863, Mr. Wooley was made a regi- 
mental officer by being promoted from the ranks to Commissary 
Sergeant of the regiment. He thus served until the close of the 
war completing a service of three years and nine months. That 
regiment was in twenty two severe engagements. It left the state 
with 896 officers and men and returned at the close of the war 
with 353. 




RESIDENCE OF L. W. CARTER. HIGHMORE, S. D. 



CHAPTER XI 



HIGHMORE EXPERIMENT STATION 

In the central part of South Dakota Hes the Ree Valley, 
a broad expanse of level prairie, hemmed in at the horizon's 
edge by rounded hills, the moraines left by the glaciers that 
thousands of years ago brought the soil that has made the up- 
per Mississippi Valley the bread basket of the world. The soil is a 
rich glacial deposit, varying from 500 to 1,500 feet in depth. The 
upper soil is a dark loam formed by humus from the decay of the 
grasses through ages. Its fertility is practically inexhaustible. 
Under the glacial layer above the ancient shale is a sheet of water 
fed by drainage waters that constantly filter through the porous 
glacial drift. This forms a never-failing reservoir to feed the ar- 
tesian wells, of which hundreds have been sunk, in late years. 

The prairie, in a state of nature, presents a panorama of vel- 
vety buffalo grass that rarely grows above a few inches in height 
and produces from one-half to one ton of nutritious hay per acre. 
While this wild hay could not be improved upon while the whole 
country is thinly settled, the thought has often occurred to the far- 
sighted farmer, "What will we do when the population increases so 
that the wild hay is not sufficient to supply the demands upon it." 

An experiment station was established some years ago at High- 
more, the county seat of Hyde County, situated near the center of 
the Ree Valley. A piece of land, 130 acres, was presented to the 
state, which was known as the poorest farm in the township. The 
land was cleared of hard heads, put in a state of cultivation, and a 
system of selection, variety testing and crop rotation established. 

The first object was to develop a drouth resistent legume. Al- 
falfas were obtained from Siberia, Turkestan and parts of the Unit- 
ed States where conditions of climate are similar. These were 




IMPROVEMENTS ON TnE STaTE EaFERiiyiENT FARM AT HIGHMORE, S. D. 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 203 

planted in testing plots as well as rows which were cultivated for se- 
lection. The alfalfa has done everything expected of it. The 
present year it has yielded two cuttings of about one ton each per 
acre and in some years a third cutting has been obtained. Besides 
producing about four times as much hay as the wild sod, it improves 
the ground b}' adding nitrogen. The value of chopped alfalfa as a 
feed for cattle is well known, being equal, weight for weight, to 
bran. The crimson clovers tested, although they can be grown, 
cannot compare with it for this section. 

Three kinds of brome grass have been thoroughl}' tested and 
carefully improved, the bromus intermis, as usual, winning the 
laurels. This grass grows to a height of from three to five feet and 
yields from one and one-half to two and one-half tons per acre. 
Timothies are a success, though in some seasons they fail to catch. 
Two kinds are grown — a long headed, short stemmed Russian var- 
iety and the common timoth}^ 

The wild western wheat grass has been grown under conditions 
of cultivation and proves to be an unfailing yielder. Several other 
grasses are being tested and grown here, but those mentioned seem 
to be the winners commercially, and the farmer of the future South 
Dakota with his brome grass and alfalfa can compete well with the 
eastern farmer and his eastern grasses. 

For heavy forage crops, cane, broom corn millet, millet and 
milo maize have all proved sure yielders and varieties have been 
improved and especially adapted. Seed is being sent out in small 
quantities and it is hoped that by the time the need is really felt a 
sufficient seed stock will be obtainable and the farmer will not be 
forced to take chances by planting seed not acclimated. 

Of all the varieties of maize tried, the Minnesota No. 13 has 
averaged the best. A special strain is being developed for hardi- 
ness. Much is expected of a new variety known as the Bro.wn 
County Yellow Dent. 

Oats have yielded from 50 to 70 bushels per acre, and the qual- 




CUTTING DURUM OR MACARONI WHEAT AT HIGHMORE, S. D. NOTE THE 

LARGE CROP 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 20$ 

ity is all that could be desired, plump, hard grain that will over- 
weigh. 

One of the pictures shows the cutting of durum or macaroni 
wheat on the eighth of August. The illustration gives a good idea 
of the height of the grain. This wheat has yielded an average of 
29 bushels per acre and this year will do much better. The fife and 
blue stem varieties have considerable red rust this year and some in- 
dications of black rust, but in most varieties this will not be serious 
enough to greatly reduce the yield. The bread wheats have an av- 
erage record of about 17 bushels per acre. 

Barleys, both two and six-rowed and emmer, commonly known 
as speltz, have done well for a period of years, yielding ordinarily 
better than 40 bushels. 

The work of the station is educational as well as experimental, 
being a branch of the State College at Brookings. Many visitors 
are shown over the place every day, getting object lessons in good 
farming. The secret of success in agriculture where the rainfall is 
light is a thoroughly plowed and compacted seed bed. Harrowing 
must be done with a heavy iron drag and should be repeated about 
three times. Pulverizing is important and must not be neglected. 

For corn and other cultivated crops, frequent cultivation is im- 
perative and when ready for the last cultivation it should be laid 
back with an implement that gets all the weeds and leaves a 
thorough dust mulch. There are various makes of about equal 
value for this purpose. If possible, all suckers and short stalks 
should be removed so as not to tax the ground and the plant roots 
with unnecessary growth. The significant fact that the farmer or 
prospective farmer of this section can do all his work with machin- 
ery is most encouraging. Any farmer can obtain yields like those 
mentioned if he will plant good seed and use similar culture and 
crop rotation methods. The soil possesses its own fertility and will 
do its part. — Manley Champlin in the Sioux City Farmers' Tribune. 



CHAPTER XII 



BRAMHALL 

This town was located on the NE quarter of ii-i 12-73, a claim 
proved up on by James Cogan. This was purchased b}^ W. N. 
Bra3'ton and Wm. Fanckboner, and was laid out as a town and 
platted in August, 1883. Mr. Brayton was very enthusiastic over 
the prospects of a coming city there, and went to hauling stone 
and piling it up for future builders on the townsite. He discour- 
aged, however, later on sold out his interest to Mr. Fanckboner. 
The first building on the townsite was a store building owned by 
J. J. Hammer, who placed in it a stock of goods. He also was 
postmaster, afterwards succeeded by John Newell. 

Bramhall at one time made some claims to future glor\^ and 
prominence, it makes no such claim now as not a vestige of it 
remains except the two story schoolhouse, which alone marks the 
old townsite. At its start Wm. Fanckboner, proprietor of the town- 
site, proclaimed in a glowing advertisement it to be "A new town 
situated in the beautiful Ree Valley, arid destined to be the future 
metropolis of Hyde County, Dakota. It is located on the Chicago 
Northwestern Railroad, midway between Huron and Pierre." 

"Now is the time," said the advertisement further, "to invest 
in town property. Good water can be found anywhere on the 
townsite. Town lots will double inside of sixty days, merchants, 
mechanics, tradesmen and capitalists will find this a rare oppor- 
tunity." Alas! for the cruel verdict of time and also for the en- 
terprising Fanckboner. The land remains, but not the townsite, the 
lots failed to double in value in sixty days, there was no rush of 
merchants or mechanics, and no capitalist ventured a dollar. But 
still Bramhall had an existance. It had a hotel run by John Newell, 



208 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



also a store b}' Geo. Calmus, a blacksmith shop run by A. V. 
Schurtz, a meat market run by John Newell and a saloon kept b}^ 
Geo. Calmus. It had at one time two newspapers, the Bramhall 
Blade and the Bramhall Pioneer. We have before us the Blade 
from No. i to No. 50. It was started by H. C. Shober with Harry 
Elder, as associate editor. In No. i its salutatory gets way up in 
G in editorial eloquence, and we quote as follows: "Politically 

we take pride in shouting for 
Blaine and Logan, but we shall 
studiously endeavor to steer our 
little craft clear of the factional 
maelstrom in which our county 
affairs are at present sadly en- 
gulfed, and view from afar the 
spreading havoc o f misused 
power; but when the chilling- 
November blasts shall waft to 
our waiting ears the welcome 
wail of dying dissention, we will 
join the cortege that follow to the 
potter's field, and as the grim, 
gaunt and gostlike form unwept 
and uncoffined is lowered to its 
resting place we will reiterate 
with pleasure the hallowed phrase 
'earth to earth and dust to dust.' " In the way of locals the edi- 
tor said he was in Highmore Wednesday, and saw two entertaining 
scenes, one was a tight rope act, the other was Tom Hadley doing 
up an important citizen on the county muddle question. Bramhall 
must have had a hall then, for the editor tells of a successful dance 
in Bowers' hall, where fort}^ couples were present, and he grows 
eloquent again over the number of charming ladies who were in at- 
tendance. This paper also states that A. N. Van Camp delivered a 




LOUIS ROLEWiClI 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



209 



temperance lecture there the Sunday evening before, that Nat 
Chne of Holabird had visited them, and that Mrs. Tr3-on had fallen 
down the cellar sustaining serious injuries. Bramhall was anxious 
for aside track, and was happy when in September, 1884, the com- 
pany gratified their wishes, soon after they were further gratified 
by the addition of a warehouse. Religious services were held reg- 
ularly in Bramhall at the school house, generally conducted by Rev. 
Charles Sheen of Van Order township. The April 4, 1885, number 
of the Blade mentions a birthday 
surprise party to Mrs. John New- 
ell, as an occasion ofmuch pleas- 
ure and enjoyment. This paper 
also copies from a Michigan pa- 
per items of regret that Wm. C 
Wooley had departed from their 
home town, Elba, and taken up 
his abode in South Dakota. The 
last store in town was run by 
John L. Howard, who was also 
postmaster, the only thing to 
keep him company was the flick- 
ering Blade, but soon the town- 
site was abandoned. The hot 
winds of that period, so to speak, 
seemed to blow the whole thing 
away. 

An action was brought by the owners of lots in the defunct 
town of Bramhall about two 3'ears ago, to have the townsite va- 
cated, which now enables the husbandman to plow, sow and reap 
where the distinguished metropolis once existed in great expectanc}' 
of coming events. 

About seven years ago the railroad platform where was intend- 




MRS. L.ROLEWICH 



2IO HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 

ed a station house was still there when one night, to protect them- 
selves from a cold north wind, some cattle laid down on the track 
south of it. A freight came along and plowed into the cattle, 
throwing the train from the track, killing the firemen and demolish- 
ing the platform. All there is left of Bramhall now is the two stor}' 
school house, and the memories of its former self both of which will 
disappear in a few short years. 



CHAPTER XIII 



HOLABIRD 

The town of Holabird now consists of a single store kept b\' 
Georg-e Elfrink and a restaurant and stopping place kept b}' Frank 
Elfrink, also a lumber yard by the Atlas Lumber Co. run by Ray 
Stevens. The town in the early eighties consisted of several busi- 
ness houses and quite a number of residences. T. H. Maguire had 
a hardware store, T. W. Howey a drug store, Falde & Murphy a 
general store, also one kept by C. W. Grassmuck, John Reynolds a 
blacksmith shop, and William Morrison a saloon. Harry Byer run 
a lumber yard for J. H. Queal and Co., also A. W. Graham had a 
lumber yard. There was a railroad station there, with an agent 
and telegraph operator, and Geo. Hirsch at one time had a shoe 
shop where he did cobbling. L. Noggle was an agent for the rail- 
road company there for awhile. The resident portion of the town 
was principally on the Perkins addition, and consisted of houses oc- 
cupied by R. E. Murphy, C. B. Dingley and his son, Levi, and fam- 
ily, Seth Slawson and family, Chris Lexan and family, Mr. Lake 
and family. The Lake property was afterwards purchased by W. 
B. Hamlin, who with his family occupied it for a few years. James 
R. Smith, who was a resident there at that time, still lives there, 
and raised his family there. Mr. Smith's residence stands alone, 
while all of the other houses were long since moved away. The only 
house near is that of Del Smith, a son of J. R., who lives in a house 
he moved from Highmore. Mr. Smith is a down east Yankee from 
the state of Maine, also is his wife, and this will be easily discover- 
ed by a stranger when he sits down to their table to relish as good 
cooking as will be found anywhere, and if he finds there a pot of 
baked beans and is from Boston, he will think for a moment that 
he is back to that hub of the universe. Mr. Smith is a substantial 



212 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



citizen, and has acquired a competence. His son Charles, whose 
portrait is on page 86 is a prosperous contractor in Wyoming, Del 
lives at Holabird and is engaged in farming, James with his family 
on a farm near Holabird, his daughter married Arthur Graham, who 
resides in Shelby, Michigan. C. W. Grassmuck died this year in 
May at Minneapolis, Chris Lexan died in Pierre not long since, the 
result of an accident; T. W.Howey is at Carthage, S.D ,he married a 
daughter of Charley Morton and was afterwards in Highmore run- 
ning a drug store. Mr. Morrison 
is in Chicago, a prosperous pho- 
tographer, and Mr. Noggle re- 
sides at Sioux Falls. Mr. Byer 
died several years ago, also Mr. 
Dingley and his son, Levi. Mr. 
Lake died some time since in this 
state; his son, Arthur, is a pros- 
perous business man in Gettys- 
burg, S. D. and we think another 
son, Grover C, died in the Phil- 
ippine war, a soldier there. We 
do not know the location of the 
others of the Holabird contingent 
except that R. E. Murphy, who 
was afterwards in business at 
Highmore, is now in the land 
business at Fort Pierre, S. D.^ 
and Mr. Falde is at St. Paul in some business there. While Hola- 
bird was in its prosperous days and before the commencement of its 
decline, there was much social enjoyment, and a feeling of fellow- 
ship. The school house in Holabird, a large two stor}' building, 
was built in 1883, and is still there. In this building once a week 
in the winter time they had a lyceum, consisting of a variety- of ex- 
ercises, and it was largely attended, for people came in from the 




J. R. SMITH 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



213 



country and the house was alwa3'S crowded. They had a paper 
read each evening, machine poetry, so called, a debate and most 
excellent singing, and now and then a lecture. On Sundays there 
was preaching in the school house, generally of the Methodist 
faith. Sometimes the boys would celebrate some special occasion, 
and if any system of irrigation was necessary to loosen their 
tongues or enliven their action, the Morrison saloon was near by, 
and but few were backward in seeking that element of inspiration. 
We remember once on St. Pat- 
ricks day, when quite an aggre- 
gation, composed of the village 
inhabitants and some from the 
country, procured strips of green 
from a piece of castawa}^ billiard 
cloth, this tied to billiard cues 
and other sticks, formed a pro- 
cession, whose enthusiasm and 
irregular foot step would have 
amused the admirers of the pat- 
ron Saint had they looked upon 
the scene. But there was no 
rowdyism, no profanity and no 
noise, it was a genuine exhibition 
of loyalty and love for the day 
and in honor of the name. 

There was once talk of a 
Christian College there. Rev. Black made an effort to secure land 
for that purpose, but it did not materialize. 

There was a hotel building built by C. E. Parish, who died in 
North Dakota in 1887; of good size and two stories, which was kept 
open in the days of Holabird prosperity; at one time kept by Nat. 
Cross and later on by J. R. Smith, both of whom were good land- 
lords. The building still stands there, wasting away in process of 




MRS. J. R. SMITH 



214 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



deca}^ and for want of care. It is owned b}' some wealthy man in 
the east who demands an exhorbitant price for it, and seems to take 
some special delight in keeping the unsightl}' structure on exhibi- 
tion, and prefers its gradual ruin rather than accept the price at its 
fair value. 

At an earh^ da}^ in HoJabird some fellow whose name we have 
forgotten, was emplo^^ed to dig a well on the townsite. After he 
was down quite a number of feet, the soil caved in on him and res- 
cue was impossible in time to 
save his life. He was taken out 
but died soon after. He was 
buried somewhere near the town- 
site. After a touching ceremony, 
although no relatives or friends 
were present, he was laid away 
by the hands of strangers to him. 
The cyclone, which came to 
Holabird in Jul}^ 1885, is men- 
tioned elsewhere. 

A paper was published there 
for awhile by A. B. Vines. It 
had limited patronage, but it en- 
abled the publisher to procure 
grub enough to keep alive, for he 
did the cooking himself. It was called the Holabird Advocate. 

But Holabird, Phoenix like, will arize from its ashes. One 
thing largel}^ in its favor is its excellent water on the north, where 
is quite a rise in the ground, and the water is good and in quite an 
abundance. The future settlement of the countr}^ tributar}^ to it 
will demand a town there of several hundred inhabitants, and that 
settlement will soon be made, and when Holabird makes another 
start it will be permanent, "Not for a day but for all time." 




J. H. Smith and Family 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



2Is 



x\t one time the store there was kept by Jonathan S. Harris, 
whose portrait appears on page 71. We first met Mr. Harris in 
1882 in the stage coach on its wa}- from jMitchell to Huron. He 
was bound for Hyde county. Soon after he located on a quarter 
section about two mnles east of Holabird, now owned and occupied 
by Wm. O. Lawson. He built a comfortable house and its distin- 
guishing character from ordinar\' shacks, was, it was substantially 
built and painted white. After his habitation was completed his 
family came. Mr. Harris was 
the only Register of Deeds under 
the Ordway organization, and 
later on under the legal organi- 
zation was Count}^ Judge, and 
for several 3^ears was Justice of 
the Peace. He was in business 
at Holabird for eight years, and 
in 1900 moved to California, 
where his wife died soon after- 
wards. He now resides at Paci- 
fic Grove, California, where he 
and son, Charles, are in business. 
William O. L-iwson.who seems 
to be identified with Holabird, 
lives on a farm near there. He 
came there at an early day, went DEL SMITH 

through the hard times and is 

now well off. Mr. Lawson is a good citizen, he minds his own busi- 
ness and is thoroughl}- honest. There is not money enough in the 
state to induce him to betray a trust, or to do a dishonest act. 

Some local poet at an early day tackled the task of WTiting an 
enigma on Holabird and produced the following: 

"My tirst is ever sacred sweet. 

And is the kind that prophets were. 
My second phimed, in tender feet. 

On flying' win^s above us soar. 




2l6 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



My whole a town too dead to skin, 
Its palmy days now neai'ly o'er, 
The town where Edsi-comb made it roar. 

The first postmaster in Holabird was John Falde, then Geo. 
Bartlett, he followed by Quincy Stark, J. S. Harris was the next 
then E. C. Calkins, then G. W. Elfrink, the present postmaster. 

The county seat contest, mentioned in the Highmore chapter, 
was in 1884, the vote taken on election day of that year, November 
4. Holabird did not go out of existence by reason of that defeat. 
It was forced out of existence because so many of the settlers 

around it left the county, as is 
generalh' the case in newly set- 
tled countries, for it is first a 
rushing in, then something in 
the way of adversity, and failure 
of crops turns the tide and out 
they go, until there comes a per- 
manent settlement when every- 
thing is righted as it is here now. 
Quincy Stark and his father, 
George Stark, were early settlers 
in Holabird. Quincy married 
Miss May Dibble, sister to A. A. 
Dibble, who was also an early 
settler. Mr. Dibble was a man 
ver}^ much respected. He died 
there in the early eighties and 
was buried at Highmore with 
Masonic honors. Quincy Stark had the Holabird store for awhile 
and his customers always found him pleasant to deal with and 
strictly honest. He now resides in Minnesota. 

John Falde, then with a junior to his name, was a Scandana- 
vion, well educated and a very intelligent and companionable fel- 
low. He resided in St. Paul, Minn., the last we heard from him. 




WM. O. LAWSON 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



217 



Nels Jacobson was in Holabird a while, but left us at an early 
da^^ He came here with Mr. Falde from Canton, S. D., returned 
there and was elected Register of Deeds in Turner County. 

In 1883 the writer built a residence on his claim which was the 
quarter section upon which is now the Holabird townsite. The 
building, then only in form, was 16x24, a story and a half high, and 
the builder not being a carpenter and having had no experience 
along that line, the structure was not as accurate or systematic in 
its architecture as was the historic temple which was erected by 
Solomon. It was not made as 
strong as it should have been in 
the ends, lacking a few upright 
pieces, but still it was put to- 
gether in a fashion, though with 
much waste of lumber. Some- 
time about the middle of July of 
that year, 1883, two young men 
drove up with a covered wagon, 
unhitched and picketed out their 
horses. Towards night an angry, 
looking black cloud appeared in 
the northwest, vivid with light- 
ning and reverberating with loud 
thunder. The two young strang- 
ers thought we had better go in- 
to the cellar for protection, which 
we soon did when there came a 

dead calm, which is ominous just preceding a bad storm, and then 
the storm burst upon us. Its first blast sent the building over to 
the south about two feet, but we thought it had gone entirely. Af- 
ter we had been in the cellar about fifteen minutes there came a 
pounding at the door, which was answered by one of us getting up 
out of the cellar and opening the door, which let in Mr. Falde and 




MRS. J. E. McDonald 



21! 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



Mr. Jacobson, accompanied by two friends who were visiting them 
from Canton, Mr. Falde's claim was north of Holabird a short dis- 
tance, and these parties were in his shack when the storm struck 
them. The}^ were baking bread in a red hot stove and the first 
blast of the storm overturned the shack, and finally landed it on the 
roof and as no one was injured it became a laughable incident, for 
Mr.Falde said it was a mixture of bread, Norwegians, furniture, bed- 
ding and a heated stove, but after all it was really a serious and dan- 
erous matter at the time. After the storm had subsided we all lay 

down up stairs on what blankets 
we had, but in about an hour the 
wind came up again in a fury 
from an opposite direction and 
again we all went into the cellar, 
but did not long remain as the 
wind soon let up, but it straight- 
ened the house up, which after- 
wards was securel}^ braced. 

Col. E. P. Farr has landed in- 
terests adjoining the Holabird 
townsite, resided there for awhile 
and has always been interested 
in the success of Holabird. He 
was in the civil war with official 
rank, and now resides at Pierre, 
is engaged in the banking busi- 
ness and is treasurer of Hughes 
county. His wife is prominent in social circles and both of them 
are of New England birth, coming here from the State of Vermont. 
R. E. Murphy was an early Holabird resident and was in busi- 
ness there in the palmy days of the town, and after its decline was 
in business at Highmore. He has since been in the employ of the 
government at Fort Thompson and now in the real estate business 




JACOB BECKER 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



219 



at Fort Pierre. Bob, as he was familiarly called, seemed to be a 
favorite of everybody, and as a member of the Board of County 
Commissioners performed his duties intelligently, with good judg- 
ment and with strict honesty. His wife is an excellent woman. 
Their first child was born in Holabird and on another page will be 
seen a portrait of the family group. 

W. M. Morrison was an early Holabird business man, who was 
there during most of the Holabird ex- 
periences, and during the decline of 
the town returned to his former home 
at Chicago, where he is a prominent 
photographer. He is remembered by 
the early residents there as a public 
spirited citizen and a jovial compan- 
ionable fellow. The building previous- 
1\' mentioned as one erected b}^ the 
writer was after that episode aban- 
doned by its occupants. One night K. 
E. Murphy and Will Morrison were 
sleeping quietly, and no doubt with 
pleasant dreams, in the upper half 
story part of the building when they 
were awakened suddenly by peals of 
thunder and flashes of lightning, and 

just at their awakening by a sudden gust of wind which had a roar- 
ing sound. There seemed to be no time for parley or even an ex- 
change of words. They both at the same time made a dive through 
a hole in the upper floor, which took them through the lower room 
and then through a hole in the first floor and landed them in the 
cellar. Such an experience ninety-nine times out of a hundred 
would have been fatal and they did it only in a dozed condition, but 
they landed in such a way that they suffered no injury, but their 
vocabulary opened up after they landed and had they not been 




PETER STURR 



220 



HISTORY OF HYDI£ COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



youngsters with moral training and Sunda}^ School proclivities no 
doubt their profanity would have been awful. Charley Morrison, 
brother of Will, lived near Holabird, where he died a few years ago. 
His family are well remembered by early settlers and particularly a 
step son, Eber Smith, who was a bright, progressive boy. He went 
to the Pacific coast in the early eighties and is now part owner of a 
line of steamers, and as captain of one of them sails out of Seattle. 
I. L. Noggle, station agent there, was a favorite, was alwa3's 

agreeable and accommodating, and 
afterwards was stationed at Highmore. 
He is now residing at Sioux Falls and 
is proprietor of several outfits of en- 
tertainment, which the youngsters 
call "merry-go-round." His father 
also was there and with them, also his 
aged mother, who was past ninet}^ 
years of age, physically helpless, but 
mentally bright and with much intelli- 
gence and good memor}'. 

Kinney Hornberger was an early 
settler at Holabird. An honest in- 
dustrious fellow whom everybody liked 
He left there when the town declined 
and now resides in the State of Wash- 
ington. 
Holabird will redeem itself sometime in the future. 




MRS. E. O. PARKER 



CHAPTER XIV 



HIGHMORE 

In the summer of 1882 all there was of H3^de county was the 
town of Highmore. When the Northwestern road crossed the 
county building- west, they erected a section house, that is, a build- 
ing where the section men could live, and this was the only build- 
ing here when the real thing started in 1882. Along the first of 
May, 1882, a party by the name of Wheeler and another by the 
name of Pomero}^ both from Huron, had sort of a shack where the 
postoffice building now stands, and had a few drugs and some other 
kind of merchandise in it. They evidently were waiting there to 
see what would turn up, intending to get in on the ground floor. 
There was also about a carload of lumber in charge of one Well- 
man, from Brookings, who seemed to have the same idea as the 
other parties named. The section house was occupied b}^ Samuel 
Major and his family, and that was the only stopping place here. 
James H. Lynch, afterwards County Sheriff, was the section boss 
and he had a few men with him. C. P. Swanson now of the First 
National Bank was connected with the railroad bridge gang and 
made his headquarters at the section house. Matthias Shoup, who 
still lives here, came the fore part of May, waiting for the govern- 
ment to complete its survey of the land in this county. This was 
about the condition of things when A. E. Van Camp and A. N. 
Van Camp arrived on the last day of May, 1882, except we might 
add that E. O. Parker secured a settler's right on the southeast 
quarter of section 11 in Highmore Township, upon fort}^ acres of 
which he laid scrip and afterwards made final proof upon the rest 
of the quarter, intending to start a town on the forty. When A. 
E. Van Camp arrived he laid Valentine Scrip upon forty acres of the 
southwest quarter of 12 Highmore Township and made final proof 



222 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



on the rest of the quarter, intending to start a town on his fort}' 
acres. Mr. Parker was somewhat hampered by a conflicting claim- 
ant. Mrs. Lucinda Robinson had a building on Mr. Parker's forty 
and afterwards secured it by a decision of the United States Land 
Office, and filed on it, but Mr. Parker soon after bought her re- 
linquishment so that later on in 1882 the two townsites were fully 
launched, the street between them being the section line. The 

real Van Camp main street was 
the street where now the court 
house is, and the Parker street 
the one west of that. There was 
rivalry between the two streets, 
but each seemed to keep abreast 
of the other in the line of build- 
ing, and in time all rivalry 
ceased so that at this date noth- 
ing of it remains. The contro- 
versy, however, hung on a few 
years. 

The Bulletin of Januar}'' 2, 
1886, contained the following-ed- 
itorial: 

*'The two street contest at 
Highmore is an unnecessary con- 
flict, and though at present it 
may bear the shades of antagonism, yet time will cause all feeling 
to subside and the natural future location of business will bind to- 
gether what now seems to be a division and a difference. If the 
streets were far apart, then there might be cause for anxiety and 
fear that the well-being and prosperity of the town would be wreck- 
ed by this unpleasant controvers}^ But their nearness and the pros- 
pect of their being bound together b}^ a business settlement of Second 
Street dispels the illusion for such it is of distracted differences. 




MR. AND MRS. P. E. GILLIGAN 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



223 



Highmore has a promising future, and even now at midwinter is 
rapidly building in all parts of the town. It is the county seat of a 
county rich and fertile in agricultural land and tributary to it is a 
large scope of country, which centers here for its trade and traffic. 
All we need is a public spirit and united action, and the support 
that would naturally come to us will take care of itself. Both of 
the streets form the business part of the town, they are adjacent 
and adjoining and neither 
can be the rival of the other, 
their interests are identical 
and no farmer will patronize 
a merchant because he is on 
the one street, or refuse to 
patronize him because he is 
on the other. Away then 
with the remark that High- 
more has two business 
streets in conflict, and let 
us settle down to the true 
situation, that all traffic is 
equally distant from the 
center of the circle of busi- 
ness, and above all things 
'Let us have peace.' " 

Of the first buildings in 
town was the lumber office of Newton & Gerhart, which was built 
in July, 1882. This building w^as owned and occupied by Nels Swan- 
son, for a residence and stands north of the court house. They es- 
tablished the first lumber yard, which was conducted under the firm 
name for a few years, when Mr. Gerhart bought the interest of his 
partner Newton, and Mr. Gerhart is still here doing business at the 
old stand. 

About that same time in July, 1882, James Ingram built a barn 




H. E. LAWRENCE 



224 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



and opened a livery stable. 

There were not many buildings erected in Highmore in the 
summer and fall of 1882. The county had but few settlers, so there 
was not custom enough to demand really more than one store 
building. 

Don Gurnea in August built a two story building the lower part 
of which he occupied with a stock of merchandise. This building 

stood between the Doctor Burn- 
side office and the McDowell 
building, and not long after its 
erection there was added to it a 
similar two story building, mak- 
ing it practically one building, 
though double in its character. 
This latter was erected b}^ 
Cole and Lathe, who occupied it 
for a hardware store; afterwards 
D. L. Cadwallader was associated 
with them. This building stood 
on Commercial Avenue south a 
few lots from the McDowell 
building now owned by A. E. Van 
Camp, a few years ago was taken 
apart and sold to different parties. 
In 1882 a small building was 
placed on a lot just south of the Herald office, erected by John P. 
Organ and John P. Kelley.but they did not long remain as the legal 
field here at that time was not inviting. Mr. Kelley died several 
years ago. Mr. Kelley is a prominent lawyer at Council Bluffs, la. 
While times were hard in Highmore during the early days, still 
the people enjoyed themselves generally and on all holidays partic- 
ularly. At Christmas time in 1885 there was a large gathering at 
the school house, they had a good display of presents hanging on a 



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RL\ H K WALLIS 



H/STORY OF IIVDE C )UNTY, -SOUTH DAKOTA 



225 



tree of elaborate proportions. 

The H3'de County Bulletin was started b}- its first issue Dec. 
26, 1885. In that first issue it is recorded that T. W. Howey's drug- 
store had just arrived from Holabird on wheels, and a good welcome 
was given to Bro. Howey, whom all considered a prince of good fel- 
lows. It was also stated that Dr. H. H. Stoner had settled here 
during that week; that John H. McCord flew high the Sunday be- 
fore with one of Brayton's best 
rigs, accompanied by his best girl 
from the north. 

During that year, 1885, a band 
was organized with the following 
named persons as its members: 

John H. McCord, solo B-fiat 
cornet; Fred W. Goud^s istB-flat 
cornet; George Wareham, pic- 
colo; John L. Greer, B-flat bari- 
tone; David Staup, E-flat bass; 
Geo. C. Stoner, B-flat tenoj; 
Elsie Smith, E-flat alto; J.K.Van 
Camp, bass drum; Porter Barnes, 
snare drum. 

At that time there was organ- 
ized a board of trade, having a 
constitution and by-laws and 

whose officers consisted of President, Frank Drew; Vice President, 
E. O. Parker; Treasurer, W. W. Kingsbury; and Secretary, John 
H. McCord. At a meeting of the board held December 13, 1885, a 
petition was presented asking them to make a move for the incor- 
poration of the town as a municipal body. The territory asked for 
which was to be included within its boundaries was as follows: 
Commencing on the SE corner of the NE quarter of section 13, 
running thence north two miles to the NE corner of the SE quarter 




MRS. J. E. VAN CAMP 




THE SIOUX CITY, IOWA, BUSINESS MEN VISIT HIGHMORE 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



227 







of section i, thence west two miles to NW corner of SW quarter of 
section 2, thence south two miles to SW corner of NW quarter of 
section 14, thence east two miles to place of beginning, all in town- 
ship 112, range 72. The board fixed the 30th day of December, 
1885, as the time for an election, which was duly held, at which 
election forty votes were cast, all in favor of the incorporation. 

Peter Swalm was the first postmaster in Highmore, who was 
succeeded by T. H.. Field, he by 

E. O. Parker. Mr. Parker was ' '- . ' ^ 

succeeded by David Moore, he 
by A. E. Van Camp, then T. W. 
Howey followed Mr. Van Camp, 
then S. C. Traver, who was suc- 
ceeded by Mr. Van Camp, who 
is still postmaster. Mr. Field 
left us in January, 1886, for Chi- \'~' ~" 

cago. He was a man much re- "^ '^ 

spected by the early settlers. A 
new post office building was put 
up in the spring of 1886, and we 
think the same building is still 
used for that purpose. 

The first operator at the depot 
was Peter O. Swalm. He laid 
out an edition to the to\^"n on the east side. 

The Weaver building, three story, on the corner of Second 
Street and Iowa Avenue, was erected in i8.^5, and is now owned by 
Fred Greene, of Miller. 

In 1886 also, Del Cadwalader, surveyor, laid out a trotting 
course north of town, in which there was some interest, but which 
sort of died out, but revived again in later years. 

C. W. Grassmuck, who recently died in Minneapolis, moved 
his grocerv store from Holabird to Highmore in 1886, bought the 




.HAM 






■Ipi^iiiillliii 



HIGHMORE CONCERT BAND 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



229 



old post office building and placed it near the McDowell building on 
Commercial Avenue. Mr. Grassmuck left here some years ago. 
He was a man for whom all had the highest respect, and was of 
such kind heart and sympathetic feeling, he crippled his business 
by extending credit where he should have withheld it. 

Ed. Hollander, who is still with us and one of the best fellows 
in the world, was seriously injured in February, 1886, by being 
thrown against a wire fence while 




catching cattle for a corral. He 
was then running a mail route. 

The pioneer drayman in town 
was Wm. Little, whom every- 
body liked. He died in 1904; his 
daughter married Geo. Traver. 

The first tailor was Geo. Ware- 
ham, first doctor, H. H. Stoner; 
first wagon shop, Gil. Barkhuff 
and W. B. Howell. Mr. 

Barkhuff died several years ago 
west of Pierre. 

First Jewelry Store, B. F. 
Tallman, first saloon and billiard 
room, John Zwight. |^ 

Julius Pahl had a livery stable 
in 1885, sold out to W. N. Bray- 
ton in January, 1886. 

The grocery store now run by James Volek was started by Be- 
h^'mer, Brace & Sparks, who made an assignment, then followed 
Whitcher & Brace, and after the retirement of Mr. Brace, Mr. 
Whitcher run it until he sold to Mr. Volek in 1905. This was O.L. 
Whitcher, whose portrait appears on page 33. He came here from 
New Hampshire in 1884, married Miss Nettie Giddings , and 
resided here until his death in 1907. Mr. Whitcher was known and 



MRS. ARTHUR GRAHAM 




HARNESS SHOP AND STORE BUILDING OF A. DERCK ON IOWA AVENUE 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



231 



^1 






respected as a man of unquestioned honesty and of excellent judg-- 
ment in matters pertaining to business. Even when he knew he 
was making a mistake in giving credit, he could not refuse it for 
his heart was full of a fellow feeling for others, and it was simply 
impossible for him to let any needy applicant for his goods go away 
empty handed. At the same time he was successful and left con- 
siderable of an estate. His widow still resides here with her two 
boys, Walter and Judson, all in 
good circumstances. Mrs. 
Whitcher was formerly a school 
teacher, and has been prominent 
in some of our social organiza- 
tions, her portrait will be seen on 
page 65. 

In 1885 a local poet g"ave out 
an enigma in the following: 

My first in lofty ;iir is found, 

And never in the depths below. 
Above, where planets circle round. 

In sunligrhfs never ceasing- glow. 
My second is the miser's creed. 

The life thoutihts of a grasping- man. 
The getting- it. will always lead 

To get it always when you can. 
My whole a town of thrift and trade, 

A county seat of promise fair. 
Will sometime find the years have made 

A city of its thousands there. 
^„ - , , 1 1 n- ^^^RS. ELLA SMITH 

1 he first hotel building in town 

was placed on the Parker tract 

of forty acres before mentioned. The town was not laid out then- 
and its location as to street was a matter of conjecture, but they 
guessed about right. The original building is a part of what is now 
known as the McGlinchy house, and was opened by Lucinda Robin- 
son and was a well kept hostelry. The rush of land seekers was so 
great in 1883 that Mrs. Robinson had to exercise considerable tact 
and ingenuity in caring for them and giving them all a sleeping 
place when night came. She proved herself quite a .business 
woman and a good housekeeper, has been away from Highmore for 





STREET SCENE ON SECOND STREET LOOKING EAST FROM IOWA AVENUE 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



233 



mm 



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quite a number of years, but is now at this writing stopping in 
Highmore at the home of her daughter, Mrs. S. C. Traver. B}^ 
continued additions, the original has grown into a ver}' spacious 
hotel building with forty rooms, has steam heat, gas lighting and is 
convenient and quite modern in its present condition. Several 
years ago Mr. McGlinchy added a very spacious opera house, the 
only house of that kind now in 
the cit\', and as Highmore has 
the reputation of being a good 
"show" town, the building is in 
frequent use. Hugh McGlinchy 
and his wife have put in consid- 
erable work and shown good 
taste in making the hotel what it 
is, and have given the town what 
it needed. They are both old 
settlers here and it is pleasing to 
the writer to know that they 
have emerged from our former 
days of adversit}' with an accum- 
ulation of considerable wealth. 
The house recentl}' has been 
leased to John Van Abel, whose family now have entire charge and 
are keeping up its former reputation. 

Old settlers will remember Ben Peck and his lady hke sister, 
Hope, who came here at an early day. Hope married John F. 
O'Donnell in November, 1885. Ben is located now in Iowa, and 
recently visited Highmore. 

P. F. Crow was an early Highmore settler. He had a hotel 
building, an opera house so called, and a store in a part of the 
lower story. He never grew rich in his investments here, left us in 
the latter eighties and of his present whereabouts we know nothing. 

The firm of Haight, Sinon & Greer flourished here in an early 











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ONE OF HIGHMORE'S RESIDENCES OCCUPIED BY G. D. MANN AND FAMILY 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



235 



day. Mr. Sinon was register of deeds for a number of years. He 
had many friends, was afterwards located at Fort Pierre, where he 
was county attorney of Stanley county. Mr. Greer left us several 
years ago and is now located in California. J. T. Haight is at 
Hydro, Oklahoma, in the land and law business. The boys,Thomas 
and Frank Hungate, are at Hydro, Oklahoma. Frank is post- 
master and Tom is a prosperous farmer. Lee Haight is traveling 
for a wholesale house, Mr. 
Haight was an old soldier and ac- 
tive in the interests of the John 
A. Dix Post at all times and was 
County Judge. He was a man 
all liked and many an old sol- 
dier will now tell, when he was 
hard up and unable to get an ac- 
commodadition anywhere else he 
could always rely on J. T. Haight. 
Mr. Haight had man}' friends 
here when he left us. 

H. C. Coombs had a store here 
at an earh' da\'. In 1886 a build- 
ing, two stor}', was placed at the 
corner of Commercial Avenue and 
Second street, which was occu- 
pied by Coombs and Harry \^an 

Camp, under the firm name of Coombs & Van Camp, which did not 
continue long. Harry Van Camip came here with his brothers, A. 
E. and A. N., in the summer of 1882, and remained here several 
years when he returned to Muscatine county, Iowa, his boyhood 
home, and now lives on the old home place. He married Miss Me- 
sick. Harry is remembered by the old settlers as a fellow to be re- 
lied upon, you always knew where to find him and he was lively as 
a cricket and made everything pleasant around him. 




WM. L. LITTLE 




HIGHMORE CITY HALL AND WATERWORKS PLANT 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



237 



Michael Connor came to Highmore in 1886, was a member of 
the John A. Dix Post and died here some years ago. 

James McDowell erected the building on the northeast corner 
of Commercial Avenue and Second street in 1886 and put in a stock 
of hardware. He was most of the time in the employ of the U. S. 
Government, was quite a politician and an all around good fellow. 

Sylvester Bates, father of Mrs. Sylvanus Meigs and of Norman 
Bates, started the first agricul- 
tural house here in 1883. Mr. 
Bates was a gentlemanl}^ fellow 
and a good citizen. He died 
here in 1889. His wife who was 
Eliza A. Morrison, was born in 
Newburj'port, Mass., and they 
were married in 1847. She was 
a lad}" of marked intellectual en- 
dowment and in her 3"ounger 
years was contributor to man}- 
leading periodicals. She was a 
loving wife and a noble matronly 
mother. The portrait of Mr. 
Bates will be seen on another 
page. Norinan F. Bates, her 
son, was an early settler, a prom- 
inent citizen, master of the Ma- 
sonic lodge, and active in all public enterprises 
now reside in California. 

Church Meigs, brother of Sylvanus Meigs, was an early settler, 
a man prominent among his fellows and had the respect of every- 
body. He was thoroughly honest in all his dealings and went away 
from here leaving a host of friends. He has lived since in Vermont, 
but returned to Iowa recently where he now resides. His portrait 
will be seen on another page. 




MISS JULIA PATTERSON 

He and his wife 



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FINE RESIDENCE OF REPRESENTATIVE JOHN H. WOOLEY, HIGHMORE, S. D. 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



239 



Thomas Clifford, his wife, Ellen, and son, Charle}^ were early 
residents here. Thomas was depot agent for quite awhile along in 
1886, was a quiet, good man. He died several years ago. His wife 
and son live on some land west of Pierre, and have been here often 
recently attending to some of their land interests in court. 

G. L. F. Robinson was an early settler here, first taking a gov- 
ernment claim in Highmore township which he named the Valley 
Farm. He was a lawyer in active practice; was Justice of the Peace 
for many years and was County 
Judge at the time of his death. 
He was a very fine musician, con- 
siderable of a scholar, and promi- 
nent in all public enterprises. He 
died in July, 1905, at his resi- 
dence in Highmore. His daugh- 
ter, Mary E. L., married Samuel 
C. Traver. She is a woman com- 
manding everybody's respect and 
still resides here. Mr. Traver 
died in 1907. He was a promi- 
nent man, was postmaster, and 
County Auditor, was very sym- 
pathetic in his nature and very 
competent as a bookkeeper. His 
death was very much regretted 
by a large circle of friends. He 

was an old soldier and a member of our Post. He left quite a 
family of children all of whom are very worthy offspring of their 
good parents. George F. Traver, a son, married Mattie Little, a 
daughter of William Little, who still reside here. Eugene Chfton, 
who is now with H. C. Harris in his drug store, a young man who 
would not know how to be dishonest, married Mabel Vivian Miller 
November 18, 1908; Alice M., who married Wm. Thompson; Norma 




EUGENE CLIFTON TRAVER 







RESIDENCE OF L C MUSSER, HIGHMORE, S. D. 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY. SOUTH DAKOTA 



241 



A., who is in the Herald office; Edna M., who married H. R. 
Erskine; Bertha B.; who married J. M. Reeves; and Mabel Grace, 
who is a very efficient stenographer and typewriter, formerly in the 
L. E. Whitcher office, is now at Caldwell, Idaho. The other child- 
dren are not yet in active business life. The portraits of Mr. and 
Mrs. Traver will be seen on pages 18 and 19. 

John^Mayer was an early Highmore settler, was a skillful me- 
chanic and a good landlord. He built the National House on the 
site where the court house now stands, which was destroyed by fire. 



resides in Chicago, 




He left Highmore several years ago and now 
where he is prominent in some 
leading insurance company. 

The Kingsbury boys, who for- 
merly lived here, moved to Hart- 
ford, S. D., where Ira has a bank. 
They were Ira C, W. W. and 
Lloyd engaged in the hardware 
business. They were all good, 
strong business fellows, of good 
credit, unquestioned honesty and 
were prominent in all public af- 
fairs. 

THE ARTESIAN WELL 

On the 27th day of July, 1886, 
the Town Trustees made a con- 
tract with Gray Bros., of Milwau- 
kee, to put down an artesian well. 
Soon after work was commenced 

and continued until February 20, 1887, when a good flow of water 
poured out of the pipe. Only a resident of Highmore at that time 
knows, nor could any other fully understand, the strain of anxiety 
that held the people in almost breathless suspense for several 
months. The hot winds prevailed then, water was scarce, was only 






MISS GRACE TRAVER 



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COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF HYDE COUNTY AT THE PRESENT TIME 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



243 



to be had by hauling from the spring south of town, which was a 
very unsatisfactor}- condition of things to a people living in a 
count}^ seat with a future promise of something of a metropolis. 
Doubt, serious doubt, reaching almost a feeling of alarm hung over 
the city like the pall of night from July, 1886, until February 20, 
1987. Several days before the 20th they reached a depth of 1540 
feet and no water, not enough to justify further work, and indeed 
the boring apparatus had about reached its limit. Gray Bros., the 
contractors, were about to give it up, to abandon the work and 
move the rig away, but the town trustees would not have it that 
way. On the 19th day of Feb- 
ruary not only doubt and alarm 
prevailed, but there was a feel- 
ing of disgust, a feeling akin to 
that of a remorseful man on the 
verge of suicide, and this lasted 
until the morning of the twen- 
tieth, and then all that feeling 
turned into indescribable joy. 
During the night of the 19th the 
water broke forth from its con- 
fines and poured out, rising in the 
air like a sweet effervescence mak- 
ing the faces of all radiant with 
smiles. The town had a jubilee; 
it went fairly wild; shooting irons 
were brought out; anvils and 
every other kind of a thing that 

would make a noise. Shouting, public speaking and every kind of 
of a conceivable demonstration went on that 20th day of February, 
and the local papers in good sized letters had it, "Praise God from 
whom all blessings flow." Highmore had a well at last. Every- 
bodv and everv "critter" was happy. A large watering trough was 




SETH PATTERSON 




MR. AND MRS. A. DERCK AND SON, HARVEY. 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



245 



placed there and cattle, horses, dogs and anything else could go 
there and drink at their will, and this continued for several years un- 
til the well was abandoned. 

In 1886 on Christmas James McDowell and Geo. Crose fur- 
nished a Christmas tree for all children in the county. They dis- 
tributed 320 pounds of candy, 380 pounds of nuts, 95 pounds of 
dates, 30 of figs, and oranges to the number of 460. 

The first of January following, the Social Hour Dramatic Club 
gave an entertainment in which Gertie Bates played the role of a 
deserted wife in the drama "Turn of the Tide." John Lawson the 
part of Jonas Aldrich with Clara 
Lesh as Aunt Rebecca: Jermy 
Learn as Hugh St. Morris, Lane 
Calkins as Col. Ellsworth; Elgy 
Smith as Pepper; Nettie Hatch 
as Frisky, and Geo. Stoner and 
Eugene Bates as Henchmen to 
the Chief, with other performers, 
James H. L3^nch before men- 
tioned was an early resident of 
the county, was the first elected 
sheriff, held the office in 1885 
and 6, and was a good officer. 
He left here quite a number of 
years ago and is now in business 
in Seattle, Washington. His 
brother, Charles E. Lynch, was 
also an early settler, was deputy 

sheriff for awhile and in 1886 started a store in the room now oc- 
cupied by James Volek, in the Weaver block. He was quite young 
upon his first appearance here, but Charley Lynch was well and 
favorably known. 

In August, 1890, Highmore had a serious fire. It burned the 




SIMON FRITZSON 




HIGHMORE ROLLER MILLS 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY. SOUTH DAKOTA 



247 



Crow building", with store and contents, also two cows and some 
pigs belonging to Mr. Crow; John Zwight's building, the T. W. 
Howey building, also that of Mr. Pla3'tor, Kleeman and Staup. Mr. 
Crow was arrested for setting fire to get insurance iTione}^ had a 
hearing but was acquitted. The law office of J. T. Haight was 
burned in the same fire. In 1892 and 3 there were several fires 
in Highmore, which evidently were the work of an incendiary. The 
McLaughlin store building was burned, also the First National 
Bank building was set, but extinguished after some damage, the 
court house also was burned. Parties living in town received 

threatening letters and for awhile 

it was a myster}^ who the guilt}" 
party was, but at last a watch 
was placed on the postoffice and 
when the suspected party drop- 
ped in a letter she was followed 
and confronted by Jake Myers 
and afterwards confessed. She 
was not tried for arson, but taken 
to Sioux Falls and in the Federal 
Court was charged with sending 
obscene letters through the mail 
and convicted. She was sent- 
enced to ninety days in jail and 
served out her time, and for all 
her misdeeds was inadequately 
punished. She was a Mrs. 
Thompson and it is only charit- 
able to her weak nature to say that her mind must have been un- 
balanced. 

In 1884 the electors of Hyde county were called upon to decide 
the county seat question. Highmore had it, but Holabird, then just 
growing into prominence and backed by the land department of the 




JOSEPH PATTERSON 



I " 




CHILDREN OF MR. AND MRS. S. J. LIGHTY, HIGHMORE. S. D 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY. SOUTH DAKOTA 



249 



Northwestern Railway Co., felt that it was entitled to be the capi- 
tal of the county, and the people there were quite strenuous and 
energetic in their efforts to secure it. The land department of the 
company sent out a man by the name of Cleveland to manage the 
Holabird campaign, but he was a poor manager. It was suggested 
to him that about a $1,000, or its equivolent in Holabird town 
lots would secure the county seat, but that proposition he did not 
approve of. He organized the forces in sort of a military way with 
captains and lieutenants and so on.-laid out the work for each to 
do, and sent them forth out on the broad prairie to capture the 
votes of the people and charged them to be sure and win out over 
the enemy whom we all knew 
was alert, and full of strategy 
and vim. The Holabird boys 
were anxious, but knew they were 
at a disadvantage. They were 
aware that Highmore was loaded 
to the guards with the necessary 
weapons and ammunition, while 
they were not yet out of the stig- 
ma of the "Gumbo Holler" ap- 
pellation, had naught else to 
fight with but their jaws which 
w^ere a species of warfare not 
calculated to conquer on a field 
like that. The campaign once 
started went forward and on the 
4th day of November, 1884, the 
people cast their votes, resulting 

in a majority for Highmore of 159. The Holabird county seat offi- 
cers and the rank and file went back to private life and to their for- 
mer avocations, while the general from Chicago returned to his 
land department office from whence he came. Highmore cele- 




MAX WINEGAR 




BANK OF HIGHMORE, DREW BROS., HIGHMORE, S. D. 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



2qi 



brated the event, and had the audacity to invite their former enemy 
to celebrate with them, even before the gloom of their grief had 
left them, or the tears had dried upon their faces. Of course the 
contest was strewed with some humorous incidents which were 
told afterwards, and in such a contest there is an exhibition of the 
many phases of human nature. A Mr. Gallagher, who lived in the 
north part of the county met the writer after election and said, 
"Mr. Perkins, this is a funny 
world, isn't it? Before election 
when I came to Highmore it 
would be, Mr. Gallagher, I am 
glad to see you. You are one of 
the best citizens in Hyde County. 
Come have a drink, Mr. Galla- 
gher, have a smoke, have any- 
thing you want and we will pa}^ 
for it. After election it was, 
Well, Old Gallagher, what's the 
news up to the bald mountains?" 
F. E. Root and wife, who re- 
cently resided at Highmore were 
early settlers in the county and 
are among the very few still here 
who settled in 1882. H. C. Shober 

also is an 1882 settler and first settled on a claim about five miles 
west of town near the railroad track. He and a young man named 
McLain, both from Cedar County, Iowa, took claims adjoining. 
They first built a sod shack and built under difficulties, for they 
lacked experience. Several times the structure was up near to com- 
pletion and then as many times it fell. Indignant and disgusted at 
their repeated failure, only themselves know the force of their 
language or the nature of their adjectives, but their troubles finally 
ended for their habitation was at last complete and as young home 




MRS. MARY A. PATTERSON 



v^i-- \^~ 




MR. AND MRS. H. A. CRAMER 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



253 



steaders they gazed upon it with feehngs of the highest satisfaction. 
Mr. McLain did not long remain here, but Mr. Shober became a 
permanent resident and is still here editor and proprietor of the 
H3'de Count}^ Bulletin. He has other financial interests outside the 
count}^ and at the election in November, 1906, was elected Lieu- 
tenant Governor of the state, and was nominated at the primary 
election of this 3'ear and re-elected on November 3, 1908. He has 
an excellent wife and two prom- 
ising children. 

x-\bram E. Yru Camp, the orig- 
inal townsite proprietor, was 
born in Muscatine County, Iowa, 
on a farm. In addition to his 
farming days as a boy, he attend- 
ed an academy at \\'i]ton and 
completed his education there. 
He has always taken an interest 
in count}' and town affairs, has 
been for several years on the 
count}' board, and is now post- 
master at Highmore with a pre- 
vious term. He was married at 
his home county to Miss Lou C. 
Sherfey, who died Oct. 19, 1899, 
in Muscatine, Iowa. She was a 

congenial companion, a lad}' of much inte'^.i::'ence an i had the re- 
spect of all who knew her. Their o:il.\' child is Shreve, wno is now 
deputy postmaster at Highmore. A. E. Van Camp was al^o Master 
of the Ree \^alley Masonic lodge for six years. 

THE NEWSPAPERS 

The hrst newspaper established in Hyde County was at Highmore 
was in 1882 by William H. Geary and was named The Highmore 
Mirror. Mr. Geary sold the paper to Eli Johnson in 1883, and the 




J. L. HUMPilKLY 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



255 



name was then changed to "The Highmore Herald." It afterwards 
became the property of John C. Stoner, who in 1908 sold the plant 
to John B. Perkins, the present owner and proprietor. 

The Holabird Advocate was started by A. B. Vines at Holabird 
in 1886. It eked out an unsatisfactory existance with few sub- 
scribers and limited advertising patronage until 1891 when it quit 
the field, in fact there was no town left and the paper was forced 
to surrender. It was afterwards revived for a short time by George 
White Perkins a boy of fifteen. 



The Vox Populi was started at 
Highmore in 1883. It came into 
existance more particularly to 
fight the Ordway party in poli- 
tics, and when its object was ac- 
complished, its original proprie- 
tor disposed of the paper, and 
after passing through the control 
of several publishers quit business 
in March, 1886. 

The Hyde County Bulletin was 
started by H. C. Shober in Dec, 
1885, and is still on deck in the 
control of Mr. Shober, with Guy 
Stout and Clyde Byerly as local 
editors; two young men of excel- 
lent character, industrious and 

capable and efficient craftsmen. We remember that in a Jan., 1886, 
number of the Bulletin Mr. Shober had the editorial nerve to sa>" 
that of the six newspapers in Hyde County the Bulletin had more 
home news in it than the other five combined, which statement, of 
course, the other five vigorously denied. 

The Bramhall Blade was started by its first number August 16, 
1884. H. C. Shober was proprietor with Harry Elder associate edi- 




GUY A. STOUT 




LOOKING EAST ON SECOND STREET FRO vl IOWA AVZNUE 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



257 



tor. Mr. Shober remained with the paper about a year and sold to 
Wm. Fanckboner. From him it passed into other hands and quit 
when the town went out of existence. 

The Repubhcan, a democratic paper, was started in Highmore 
by L. E. Whitcher, run about a year and quit in 1893. Mr. 
Whitcher then run the Highmore Herald for awhile. 

Highmore is now well represented as a business city. Its stores, 
in their keeping, are up-to-date. It has three physicians: Dr. H. H. 
Stoner, who has been here many 



years and the oldest in point of 
residence; Dr. I. M. Burnside, 
who has been here about ten 
years and Dr. M. C. Sorenson, 
who has recently become a resi- 
dent. We have two lumber 
yards, one kept by A. N. Gerhart, 
the other the Atlas Lumber Co. 
in charge of G. D. Mann. This 
company also has an elevator and 
handles grain. There are three 
hotels: the McGlinchy House 
kept by John Van Abel, The Far- 
mers' Friend kept by H. E.Tagg, 
and the Elliott House kept by 
Williard Elliott. M. E. Miller 
has a feed store and he also deals 

in coal and buys grain. W. L. Thompson runs the elevator, buys 
grain and sells coal for the Van Dusen Co. We have one photo- 
graph gallery run by Herman Syverud. There are two restaurants 
one kept by Clara Murray the other by Everts & Leviness. Two 
drug stores, both of them as establishments are old timers, one of 
them kept by H. C. Harris, who has been in charge since 1886, the 
other now run by Wooley & Hemmingson, has had changes in pro- 




CLYDE G. BYERLY 



^ 



,_-■ c 




A. N. VAN CAMP'S TELEPHONE OFFICE AND RESIDENCE 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY. SOUTH DAKOTA 



259 



prietors, but was started in the eighties by T. W. Howey. The 
real estate agents are numerous. Cummings & Wooley have an 
office in the Fred Greene block, The Reiser Land Co. in the First 
National Bank building, The Home Land Co., The Quirk Land Co. 
land P. E. Gilligan are in the same building. D. T. Jekyll has an 
office on Iowa Avenue, The C. L. Ford Land Co. in the McDonald- 
jHarris building, C. E. Noel at his law office, Drake & Ballard, rep- 
iresented by J. W. Reiser have an 
bffice in the McGlinchy Hotel 
jbuilding, Wenholm & Wright in 
Ithe Harris building. Other real 
lestate dealers are C. W. Trent, 
jC. A. Gray, J. E. Van Camp, F. 
|H. France, F. M. Barnes, Walter 
Elliott and O. C. Rippenbrock. 
jWhile there seems to be quite a 
Inumber here engaged in this bus- 
iness, we believe that with any 
jof them a land seeker will get a 
isquare deal. In the jewelry bus- 
iiness are the stores of John E. 
Campbell and L. B. Huston. 
Two barber shops cater to the 
people in a tonsorial way; one 
kept by Henry Lawrence on 

Second Street, the other by Williams & Carlson on Iowa Avenue. 
Three livery stables, one by A. D. Winans on Second Street, Reu- 
ben Clark on First Street and N. H. Wilder on Iowa Avenue. A. 
Derek has a harness shop on Iowa Avenue, who also attends to the 
foot gear in the way of cobbling. There is a pool room kept by 
Walter Airhart and a bowling alley run by Friendie and Seth Pat- 
terson. Two saloons furnish the required beverage to their patrons, 
one by M. C. Burke, the other by Bob Yokum. We have a cigar 




MRS. S. J. LIGHTY 




THE HARRISMcDONALD CONCRETE BUILDING ON SECOND STREET 



STORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



261 



manufactory kept by F. W. Myers. The McLaughlin Company 
have a department store and keep an extensive stock of the various 
kinds of merchandise usually kept in a store of that kind. R. W. 
Perry has a general store whose shelves are filled with dry goods 
and groceries, also boots and shoes. James Volek & Co. have a 
general store in the Greene block with the usual variet\' of mer- 
chandise, x-llso in the same block is a hardware, recentl}^ establish- 
ed, kept by Battey & Winfrey. 
The Highmore Clothing Co. have 
a stock of clothing which will be 
placed in the former National 
Bank building, but is now tem- 
porarily in the basement of the 
brick. The store is kept by J.L. 
Magneson and M. A. Rosten. 
There are two meat markets, one 
b}' C. R. Schneider on Iowa 
Avenue, the other at this writing- 
kept by John McDonald, but will 
be transferred to A. G. Button, 
who has purchased the same. 
The veterinaries are Hugh Ohl 
and \\^ilbur Quirk. John Rice is 

the gardner who furnishes fresh vegetables in their season. There 
are three banks, one the Bank of Highmore kept by Drew^ Bros., of 
which S. Drev/ is President; Frank Drew, Vice President; and C. H. 
Drew, Cashier. The First National Bank, formerly First State 
Bank, whose officers are F. D. Greene, President; W. D. McDonald 
Vice President; and C. P. Swanson, Cashier. These two banks 
were established here at an early day. The third bank is the Hyde 
County State Bank, established at a later day, of which A. J. Cole 
is President, L. M. Hanson, Vice President; and L. A. Hendricks, 
Cashier. These banks are all safe and on the best of financial basis. 




S. J. LIGHTY 











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ABSTRACT OFFICE OF F. M. BARNES ON COMMERCIAL AVENUE 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 263 

The cit}' is divided into three wards. The Mayor is L. M. Hanson. 
The Aldermen of Ward One are Reuben Clark and C. H. Fields; 
Ward Two, E. J. Quirk and John McLaughlin; Ward Three, C. P. 
Sw^anson and J. S. Reiser; Treasurer, M. E. Miller; Auditor, J. H. 
Pilkington; Chief of Police, W. B. Hamlin; City Attorney, L. E. 
Whitcher; Police Justice, O C. Kippenbrock; Street Commissioner, 
John Cunningham; Fire Chief, J. H. Pilkington. Highmore was 
Incorporated as a town in December, 1885, by election, and was 
afterwards in 1903 changed in its form of government from a town 
to a city. 

Edward Ryder and wife, Caro- 
line, whose portrait is* seen on 
page 122, came to Highmore in 
1883. The}' are among the ver}- 
few in Highmore who came at 
that early day and they have 
the highest of respect of all who 
know them. They have three 
children, Lucy M., who married A. N. VAN CAMP'S FAMOUS GUERN- 
Ed. Musser; Emily, now Emily ^^^ ^^^ 

Lester, married and lives in 

Pennsylvania;and William Henry, who lived with his parents here 
in Highmore is now married and resides in Onawa County, Michi- 
gan. 

Mrs. Friend Patterson has an up-to-date millinery store. The 
H3'de County Telephone Co. is installed in the Van Camp white 
brick building and is under the management of A. N. Van Camp. 
Two blacksmith shops, one by Wm. Krai, the other by W. W. 
Yeandle. Both of these parties are early settlers of Highmore. A 
bakery kept by H. M. Knowlton. The draymen are Wakey Bros, 
and B. M. Mitchell. Contractors and builders are Gary C. Neff, 
Thomas O'Brien, Frank Zemlicka, Wm. Inman, Clyde France. G. 
W. Walker & Sons have a tin shop and make a specialty of plumb- 





S. M. WENHOLM 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



265 



ing and of furnaces. Hugh McGlinchy keeps a barn of Percheron 
horses and Thomas Tibbs deals in horses and other stock and is 
owner of the famous Mark Hanna. Harry Garrabrant is station 
agent, Max Winegar is florist and Bert Reddick and Ben Barber 
manage the railroad sections. The abstracters are F. M. Barnes, 
with C. H. Gray in active charge of the office, also C. E. Noel, both 
bonded abstractors. 

Arthur Graham, whose portrait is on page 227, was an early 
settler in the county at Holabird. 
He married a daughter of J. R. 
Smith and her portrait will be 
seen on page 229. They now re- 
side in Michigan. George Gra- 
ham, a brother of Arthur, was al- 
so an early settler in the count}^ 
at Holabird and had a lumber 
yard there. He left us some 
3'ears ago. 

One of the earh' settlers of the 
count}' at Highmore was J. A. 
Patterson, w^hom we familiarly 
called Joe. He was a royal good 
fellow and ever3'body was his 
friend. He moved along with 
the rest of the early settlers mak- Y^ p PIDGE 

ing a living, but at last by his 

shrewdness accumulated much property. He died June 14, 1903. 
His wife, Mary A., still resides in Highmore in a beautiful home. 
Their children are Friend, who married Theresa Bindel. They re- 
side here. Emily, who married Ellsworth France, resides in the 
state of Washington. Anna married R. E. Sanders; they reside at 
Pierre. The other children, Juha, Seth, Hattie, Gertrude, Joseph, 
and George still live at the Highmore home with their mother. 





THE HIGHMORE HERALD OFFICE AND FORCE DURING THEIR 
PIANO CONTEST IN THE FALL OF 1907. 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



267 



Julia is an efficient deputy to the County Auditor. 

Simon Fritzson and his brother, Matthias, were early settlers 
in Spring- Lake township, lived in Highmore a few years, and were 
engaged in the grain and fuel business. They are well remembered 
by the early settlers as shrewd business men and companionable 
fellow^s. Simon, whose portrait is on page 245, was a member of 
of the Board of Commissioners several years and understood the 
business ver\^ well, in fact he had suspicion that something w^as 
wrong in the treasurer's office be- 
fore the defalcation of Homer 
James had become known. He 
is now in business at Sioux CitN% 
Matthias is in the grain business 
at some point in Nebraska. 

W. W. Yeandle, an early set- 
tler, is still here with his black- 
smith shop now a line cement 
block building shown on page 46. 
Mr. Yeandle has accumulated 
considerable property, but seems 
to work as hard as ever. His 
wife is a most excellent and lad}- 
like woman, and the}^ with the 
two boys, Arthur and Pierre, con- 
stitute the family. The portrait 




Silver Cup Won By Hugh McGlinchy's Fine 
Percheron Horses at the 1907 State Fair 



of Arthur is seen on page 109 and that of Pierre seated in the cen- 
ter of the group on page 112. 

Joe Artz, whose portrait is on page 89, settled on a claim here 
at an early day. He has for quite a number of years been mail 
carrier and is prompt and efficient and is an upright honest man. 

On page 136 will be seen the portrait of Charles Sheen, who at 
an early day settled here on a claim. He was also a local clergy- 
man of the Anti-Polygamist Mormon faith, who preached to us often, 



, ! 




RESIDENCES OF PHILIP WAKEY AND JAMES VOLEK. HIGHMORE. 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



269 



and in different parts of the county. He was an exemplary, con- 
scientious christian man and a good citizen. 

H. C. Harris and family, whose portrait appears on page 114, 
are early residents of Highmore. Mr. Harris established his drug 
store at an early date and has prospered in business. He married Miss 
Ella McDonald. They have two children, Donald and Sumner. 
Mr. Harris is a member of the Board of County Commissioners. 

On page 116 will be noticed the group, S. R. Meigs and family. 
Mr. Meigs with his wife and 
children settled in Highmore 
township in 1882. He was a 
soldier in the civil war and a 
member of our local post. He 
endured the adversities of the 
earl}' days in Hyde Count}^ but 
later on accumulated consider- 
able property. He held the of- 
fice of sheriff two terms in the 
eighties, was elected again in 
1906 and held that office at the 
time of his death. He died Feb- 
ruary II, 1908, after a brief ill- 
ness. His death caused a feeling 
of profound sadness in the county 
for Mr. Meigs was well and fav- 
orably known. His wife, a most 

excellent woman, resides in Highmore in their elegant residence, 
accompanied by her daughter, Bessie, who is prominent in social 
circles. The children were raised in Hyde County and consist of 
Sylvester, a commercial traveler residing at Sioux City, Iowa; S. S., 
who represents Warfield, Pratt, Howell & Co., of Sioux City, and 
Austin, who resides in Highmore. 

On page 188 will be seen the portrait of Duncan McDonald and 




MRS. CHRISTIANIA MORRIS 



270 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 




family. Mr. McDonald and his wife, who are in the center of the 
lower group, settled with their children at an early day in Holabird 
Township. They are both of Scotch descent and to the manor 
born. They were reasonably well fixed when they came here and 
by industry and economy in after years became well to do. Mr. 
McDonald died May 23, 1903. His wife now resides in Highmore, a 
woman who commands the respect of all. She has an elegant 

home; her daughter, Jessie, who married 
Doctor I. M. Burnside, with herself consti- 
tute the home family. Of the other child- 
ren grown to manhood and womanhood in 
\ Hyde County are W. D., who has a large 
farm a short distance north of Highmore; 
John E., who resides in Highmore, is Coun- 
ty Treasurer; Harvey A., who also resides 
in Highmore; James A., who also resides 
in Highmore; Ella, who married H. C. 
Harris; and Eliza, who married Jasper 
Gadd. Henry is in business in Chicago, 
and Gordon lives on his farm in Green County, Iowa. " They have 
lost three children by death; Hannah and Winifred died at about 
the same time at an early day here and Maggie, who married John 
Figley, died several years ago. The McDonald family are all thrifty 
and progressive and are money makers. 

Solomon J. Eighty is an early settler in Highmore, coming 
here with his family in the early eighties. He has been in the em- 
ployment of the government as mail carrier on a route north from 
Highmore for eighteen years, contending with the summer's heat 
and winter's cold and not an}^ time has his service invoked com- 
plaint or even criticism. One daughter, Stella L. G. Fuller, resides 
in Washington, D. C, another daughter, now Louise Flemming, re- 
sides in Iowa and Jennie, who married J. M. Prostrollo, resides on 
their farm near here. A daughter,Nellie,and son, Earl, reside at the 



L. W. CARTER 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 27 I 

family home. Mr. Lighty's portrait will be seen on page 261 and 
that of his wife, a matronly woman, will be seen on page 259 and a 
family picture on page 248. They now occupy a very elegant resi- 
dence in Highmore, recently constructed. 

George Hirsch is a Hyde County settler of 1882. He first set- 
tled in Holabird and worked on the section and at one time there 
cobbled shoes. He and his family reside in Highmore most of the 
time, though they have a farm residence on their land in Valley 
Township. Mr. Hirsch kept on the section, afterwards section boss 
at Highmore until about a year ago, being there for nearly twenty- 
five years. During this time he made investments in land and start- 
ed in stock raising, so that at this time his accumulations would 
amount to seventy-five thousand dollars, a very significant showing 
how a man can prosper here working on a railroad section, if he 
only knows how. His wife has worked hard during this time rear- 
ing her family of children, and in time of sickness among her neigh- 
bors and friends she is always wanted. Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. 
Hirsch and of some of the children will be seen on pages elsewhere 
in this book. 



CHAPTER XV 



TOWNSHIPS 

We will now write the townships separately and intended to 
give the names of all present residents in them, but we have not 
the book space without extending it beyond the original intention, 
hence we can refer only to the old settlers as far as we can. We 
will also refer to the townships in the order in which they were or- 
ganized. 

, Lincoln 

, A petition was presented to the county board on the I2th day 
of December, 1884, signed bv D. W. Pepple and thirty others, ask- 
ing that Congressional Township No. 113 of Range 72 be organized 
as a civil township. The count}^ board in acting upon the petition 
made an order in which it was declared that Congressional Town- 
ship No. 113 of Range 72 be and is hereby a civil township to be 
known by the name of "Lincoln." Probably the name was given 
in accordance with the wishes of the petitioners and no doubt all 
of the settlers of the township at that time had a feeling of great 
pride in living within the borders of a part of H3^de County which 
bore the name of the great emancipator, a name>^vhich will be ever 
prominent in history as that of one of the greatest of all American 
citizens. It was also ordered that on the 30th day of December, 
1884, an election be held at the residence of George W. Sanders 
for the purpose of electing township officers. At this election H. 
M. Badger was elected chairman of the board of supervisors, the 
other members E. B. Thompson and C. W. Sanders. D. W. 
Pepple Clerk; John McGovern Treasurer; Alexander Mitchell and J. 
W. Beardsley Justices of the Peace; J. W. Hall and Peter O'Brien 
Constables; and John Canode, Overseer of Highways. Elmer B. 
Thompson filed a squatter right in 1882 on land not then surveyed. 







MR. AND MRS. JACOB DE WITTE AND THREE CHILDREN 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 275 

Upon the completion of the survey he put up the first building in the 
township and broke the first furrow of its soil, which was in 1883. 
Mr. Thompson was one of the best of men, strictly honest, and 
thrifty as a farmer. He was killed in the cyclone of July 15, 1885, 
mentioned in another chapter. His wnie lives with her son, Luke, 
at Wheaton, Illinois; Fred is at Alfalfa, Washington; and William 
has charge of an elevator dealing in grain and coal at Highmore, 
remaining in the county while the other bo3's went elsewhere. He 
lives on the original home quarter near Highmore. He has the 
confidence of all who deal with him and his word and his honesty 
have never^been questioned. 

Jacob De\\'itte and family settled in Lincoln Township in April 
1884. He filed a preemption and followed this by a homestead fil- 
ing and still lives on the same piece of land. There came with him 
his wife and children, Isaac H., Harry, Susan M. and Mabel A. 
Since he came here three children have been born to them, Agnes, 
Don and George. Isaac is still there and has land of his own. 
Susan married and died three years ago next June, Harr}- lives at 
Huron, also Mabel. Mr. DeWitte with his family and Mr. Thomp- 
son are the only early settlers now living in the township. Mr. 
DeWitte built a house the first year, did some breaking, and raised 
some corn and potatoes on the broken sod. His wife is a modest, 
matronly woman and Mr. DeWitte and his entire family command 
the highest respect of all who know them. 

\'an Order 

\^an Order was the next organized township, being 111-71, or- 
ganized by the county board Dec. 12, 1884, on petition of L, C. 
Cramer and others and named after Cyrus Van Order, one of the 
first settlers, now a resident of California. John Seeman and 
William Bottcher were among the earliest settlers. Both of these 
men, like all the rest of us at an early day, had a hard time of it, 
but Mr. Seeman is now well fixed. Mr. Bottcher died several years 
ago, but his family still reside in the township and are all pros- 



2^6 HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 

perous. Hiram Young and his brother, Charles, settled early there. 
Hiram was sheriff of the count}^ and on the County Board. He 
moved away about a year ago. Charles, a very prosperous farmer, 
still resides in the township. John Melbourne is an early settler, 
has raised his family there and is well to do. Mr. Brewer and fam- 
ily were early residents. He died here several years ago, his wife 
recently. A son, Ira, still resides there. One of the daughters is now 
Mrs. Charles Swanson. Mr. Charles Lesh was an early settler. He 
also died there. His family is now scattered. Clara married F. M. 
Barnes, and Minnie married E. C. Calkins. Ed Hollander settled 
there at an early day. He now lives in Highmore. John Hinkelv*" 
whom we familiarly call Jack, and who is an old settler in this part 
of South Dakota, resides now in Van Order Township. Charles E. 
Cowin is now a resident of Van Order, originally in Bramhall. H. 
A. Cramer, mentioned more particularly in the G. A, R. Chapter, is 
an early settler in that township. A portrait of himself and wife 
appears on page 252. Fred Sheen is an early settler. The family 
picture will be seen on page 118. Other early settlers in Van Order 
are W. J. Jackson, D. G. Oliver and M. L. Hague. It is enough to 
say that all of the old settlers who still reside in that township are 
now enjoying life, surrounded with plenty of property. 
.,' Douglas 

This township was next in organization. It was organized by 
the County Board December 12, 1884, upon petition of E. S. 
Chappel and others. Their first meeting elected E. S. Chappel, 
Chairman of the Township Board; F. G. Kirtz and R. J. Middaugh, 
Supervisors; Wm. McGlashan, Sr., Treasurer; Samuel Chappel, 
Assessor; E. S. Chappel and Carl Sunding, Justices of the Peace; 
Stephen Moss and Christ Larsen, Constables; M. Emery, Road Sup- 
ervisor. Of the first settlers of this township but few remain. Peter 
Sturr, whose portrait is on page 219, is now living in San Diego, 
Cal. He is remembered by the old settlers as an active, rustling 
fellow and quite a politician, and had the backing of many friends. 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 277 

Thomas F. Cody, an early settler, is still in the township. He went 
through the early hard times, but is now in the best of circum- 
stances. He has raised his family here and all command the re- 
spect of their fellow citizens. Lars A. Larson, also an early set- 
tler, is still there at the old stand with his family, has been pros- 
perous and in his quiet way enjoys life with good circumstances. 
Stephen Moss was one of the first settlers in this township,but later 
on moved to Valley Township, where he is further mentioned. Aug- 
ust Sunding settled in Douglas in the early eighties and is still there 
where he has farmed and raised his family. He is a jovial and gen- 
ial fellow and is in good circumstances. His brother, Charles 
Sunding, was an early settler in this township, but later on moved 
to Holabird Township, where he now resides. Of the first settlers 
other than those mentioned, some have died and others reside else- 
where. We think the Kernbergers went to Chicago, where Adolph 
has a store. Frank died several 3^ears ago. 

Washington 

On December 12, 1884, F. A. Furnier and others petitioned the 
County Board for civil township organization, which was granted, 
and December 30, 1884, was the day fixed for its first election. 

The election w^as held at the residence of Murdock Mclver and 
resulted as follows: Supervisors, M. Mclver, David Moore and 
James Stewart; Clerk, O. P. King; Road Overseer, James Buchan. 

Thus the township had an organization of its own after one 
3^ear of settlement, for the first settlement was made in the spring 
of 1883. The earlier settlers who took land were Captain R. P. 
Pilkington, George and John Furnier, R. C. Allison, Frank Omer, 
William Rodgers, James Stewart and later on were David Moore, 
M. Mclver and O. P. King. To this latter named settler, we are 
indebted for some of the facts, and among other things he says: 
"Those early days for making history were something great when 
we lived in sod houses, had sod' stables, drove oxen, and met oc- 
casionally at some neighbor's well to swap yarns and pull home a 



278 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



few barrels of sparkling water for the good wife and babies, as well 
as to water such stock as we might happen to have, but they were 
few indeed. Our means of transportation were usually a yoke of 
cattle and a stone boat, which also served as a conveyance when 
visiting or on a trip to town, and the writer (Mr. King) remembers 
paying live cents per pail for water for his oxen when he arrived at 
the county seat, until the noble Dick Briggs, a merchant there, 

erected a tank, kept it filled with 
water and had a sign up reading, 
"Help yourself, it is free." Those- 
were severe and trying times for 
most of our people, but by pluck 
and perserverance the}^ are now 
in better times, for we live in 
good houses, have fine barns and 
well improved farms, drive good 
horses hooked up to a nice buggy 
or carriage, have a bank account 
and we enjoy life. The early 
settlers are most of them gone, 
scattered to the four corners of 
the earth, and some of them have 
passed on to that bourne from 
which none ever return. Of the 
1883 and 1884 settlers there re- 
mains in the township only four; these are O. P. King, J. H. and 
J. E. Hodgson, and Fred Anderson. Fred Anderson and a few 
more had at first settled elsewhere in the county, but afterwards 
settled in this township. When in all parts of our county our peo- 
ple were going into the stock business and some of them owned 
several hundred head of stock, it was difficult to get water 
sufficient for us, for we depended on shallow wells. At the present 
time there are eleven artesian wells flowing from seven to sixty- 




O. p. KING 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 279 

five gallons a minute, and it is as nice, healthy water as there is 
anywhere. 

In the early eighties the John A. Dix Post at Highmore offered 
a beautiful flag to the largest delegation on Decoration Day from 
any township in the county, outside of Highmore Township. While 
Illinois Township was a close second with seventy-one, Washington 
was first with eighty and secured the prize, and still has the flag, 
which it unfurls to the breeze on national holidays. 

Eagle 

This township was organized along with others mentioned 
Dec. 12, 1884, and like many other townships in the county, but 
few of the early settlers are there now. Paul Hendricks, an early 
settler, now resides at Miller. J. S. Mesick and his sons, F. H. and 
M. R., are still residents there, also Julius Pahl, John Shearer, G. 
J. Wurtz and Charles Nelson. J. B. Ringer is also an early settler. 
Emanuel M. Volz, an early settler with his family, is there now; 
their portrait will be seen on page 182. W. W. Yeandle formerly 
resided in that township. Those early settlers mentioned are all 
well-to-do, and are surrounded by all the comforts of life. This 
township is considered one of the best in the count}'. 

HOLABIRD 

This township was organized Jan. 7, 1885, and named after 
some railroad man in Chicago. E. P. Farr was an early settler, 
now county treasurer of Hughes County. Also J. S. Harris, W. M. 
Morrison, a popular photographer now in Chicago; Charles Mor- 
rison, who died there in 1905, and Natt. Cline, now at the Sisseton 
Agency. His son, Fred, still lives in the township and Frank in 
Highmore. George Clark was an early settler, now elsewhere. 
Of the early settlers who still reside there are Samuel Mason, James 
Cunningham with his mother, Wm. O. Lawson, W. B. Hamhn Jr., 
and John Figley. Reuben Ellerton, who was an early settler, is 
now chairman of the Board of County Commissioners, whose por- 
trait will be seen in a group of the present board on page 242. 



280 HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 

A. M. Moore is a resident of this township, also J. H. Stanton. 

Illinois 
This township was next in organization, being brought into 
corporate existance Januar}^ 7, 1885. John A. Sedgwick, afterwards 
County Treasurer, was an earl}^ settler there and started the post- 
office by the name of Sedgwick, and he also had a store which he 
sold afterwards to W. J. Triplitt. They had an Indian scare there 
at an early day. Many settlers hurried to Sedgwick and many 
more drove on to Highmore. A severe snow storm in 1886 caused a 
great loss of cattle in this township. John Jensen was . an earh^ 
settler there; a bright fellow and a valuable member of the Board of 
County Commissioners. His wife and family still reside there. 
Wells F. Pidge still resides there. He has been on the County 
Board and is a prominent citizen. His portrait is on page 265. O. 
O. Hart, formerly Clerk of Courts, was an early settler. Of the 
early settlers still residing there are Swan Anderson, John Bern, 
John Framberg, Peter Hanson, G. A. Rudine and Hans Swanson. 
These settlers have raised their families there and most of their 
children have land of their own and all are prosperous. Capt. Van 
Etten was an early settler there. James Humphrey, elsewhere 
mentioned, was an early settler in this township. 

LOOMIS 

This township, next in order, was organized Januar}^ 7, 1885. 
It was named after William Loomis, its earliest settler. Mr. Loom- 
is was born in New York state, enlisted in the war in Co. H ist 
Michigan Engineers in 1863 and served over two years. He was 
living in Canada previous to that and only his love for the cause of 
our Union prompted him to enter our army. He built the first 
claim shack in the township. He is a very worthy, upright man 
and now resides at St. Lawrence, S. D. His onl}^ son, J. A., re- 
sides at St. Lawrence, a genial blacksmith there, who is highly re- 
spected. Mrs. William Loomis is a woman much respected by all 
who know her. The famil}^ portrait will be seen on 282. D.O.Welch 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 28l 

was an early settler now residing in New York state. The portrait 
of himself and wife will be seen on page 141. There his son, Fre- 
mont, was raised, now residing in Higbmore. His portrait will be 
seen on page 147. L. T. Adair an early settler still resides in the 
township with his family. Their portrait will be seen on page 284. 
Ole Lee is a resident there yet, also W. E. Smith and Peter De 
Witte. Hans Aasby, with his family, still reside in Loomis, also 
Firman Weaver and his wife. The husband and father died several 
year ago. Tim Porter was an early resident of Loomis. A daugh- 
ter married L. T. Adair. All of the old settlers now living there are 
in the best of circumstances. J. W. Parlin and his estimable family 
now own and occupy the old D. O. Welch place. 

HiGHMORE 

It would seem that Higbmore should have been the first in 
point of organization, as it was the first settled, but it was not or- 
ganized until Januar}' 7, 1885. Gus Harno was an earl}' settler in 
this township. He died a few years ago. His wife and some of 
the children live in Higbmore. E. B. Weaver was an early set- 
tler and recently moved to California. C. H. Bancroft was an 
early settler. He now lives in Highmore. Of the other first set- 
tlers mention is made of them elsewhere in this book. Louis Kreid- 
ler was a member of the Post. He was born in New Jersey. En- 
listed in Co. C 2nd New York Cavalry and was honorably discharg- 
ed from the army January 30, 1865. He lived in H^^de County 
at an early day, and now resides with his wife near Wessington 
Springs, this state. The family are well and favorably remembered 
and particularly the boys. 

Bramhall 

A petition signed by John Newell and others was presented to 
the County Board and acted upon by them January 7, 1885, upon 
which they made an order that Township No. 112, Range 71, be 
organized as a civil township by the name of Bramhall, and that 
the first election to elect township officers be held at the school 




4t^"--> 




■^-^ .0 












,.'■ !,,»*,S-'-',< 




MR. AND MRS. WM. LOOMIS AND SON 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 283 

house in the town of Bramhall January 24, 1885. Louis Rolewich 
and John Newell are among the first settlers in this township. The 
portrait of Mr. Rolewich is on page 208 and that of his wife on page 
209. The John Newell group will be seen on page 206. Jasper 
Gadd is also an early settler. His portrait is on page 121. J. W. 
Newell, whom we familiarly call "Wes," son of John, lives in the 
township and has acquired considerable property. J. E. Whipple 
is an early settler in the county and now lives in Bramhall Town- 
ship. His family group is on page 148. Clara Tryon, an early set- 
tler, still lives in the township. Alexander Robinson is quite an 
early settler. His famil}^ group is on page 254, his own on page 
167. D. M. Sarvis, an old settler, died in 1908. 

William Hamilton 
This township was organized b}^ the County Board on Decem- 
ber 12, 1885. Petition for organization was signed by A. V. Hay- 
den and others which petition asked that Township 113 of Range 
71 be organized as a civil township. The County Board granted 
the petition and fixed the name of the township as William Hamil- 
ton. Mr. Hamilton was the first settler there in 1883. His wife 
still resides there with Geo. Tosh, a son by a previous marriage. 
The first election was held in Februar}^ 1885, at which they elected 
for Supervisors, William Buchan, Chairman, W. C. Woole}^ and A. 
C. Bogess; Clerk, C. K. Tower; and A. E. Ayers, Treasurer; at that 
election also the name of the township William Hamilton was ap- 
proved. There were but few settlers there in 1883 and as near as 
we can remember they were Mr. Hamilton, Robert Cook, A. C. 
Ayers, W. C. Wooley, Geo. Gould, A. V. Hayden and Geo. Tosh, 
none of which are now in the county except Mrs. Hamilton and 
Geo. Tosh and also Mr. Cook, who now resides in Valley Township. 
Additional settlers went there in 1884. Some of them were Albert 
Wells, Alvin Rosen, W. Tyler, Wm. Buchan and his nephewjames 
who first settled in Washington, later on in William Hamilton. 
William Buchan was a man of strict integrity and intelligence. He 








MR. AND MRS. L. T. ADAIR AND FAMILY 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 285 

died there in 1890. His nephew, James Buchan, has also been 
identified with the best interests of the township and was township 
clerk for fifteen years. James Buchan is now County Auditor. A. 
V. Hayden was quite a local character, especially in politics. John 
K. Wooley was an early settler there. He died Dec. 18, 1886, at 
the age of "]"] . His son, William C. Wooley, settled there in the 
spring of 1885, was prominent in the township and in the county 
and a man ver}^ much respected by all. He came here from Mich- 
igan and returned to his former home in Banister, Michigan, where 
he now resides. The portrait of Wm. Wooley and wife will be seen 
on page 20. D. C. Fields and Henry Doling settled in the town- 
ship we think in 1902. We could not omit the mention of these 
two gentlemen for they and the writer emigrated from the same 
Count}^ of O'Brien in the State of Iowa, and landed in the same 
Hyde County in the State of South Dakota, and we can personally 
vouch for both of them as good citizens, as substantial men and suc- 
cessful farmers. All the farmers of this township are thrifty and 
well-to-do, indeed they are a living proof of what industry and 
economy can do for men who cast their lot right here upon our 
fertile and productive soil. 

Valley 

Valley Township was organized Januar}^ 29, 1885. Of the 
early settlers Sarah Kemery lives in Highmore. Hans Larson died 
a few years ago. His iamil}^ lives in Valley Township now. Fred 
Traver is still a resident of the township. Stephen Moss and fam- 
ily live in this township, although he first settled in another town- 
ship. His portrait and that of his family will be seen on page 42. 
Thomas McWeeney is an early settler still residing there and still 
lives on the original claim. 

Chapelle 

On the 19th day of February, 1885, a petition was presented to 
the County Board signed by Joseph Dreyton and others asking that 
Township No. in of Range 73 be organized into a civil township. 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 287 

The petition was granted and the name fixed as Chapelle. Of the 
earh^ settlers Matt Ellerton, son of Reuben, still resides there, also 
George Foster. Mrs. Serena Foster died this year, 1908. John 
Henfre_v, an early settler, is still there. His son, Will, will be a 
member of the Count}^ Board after Jan. i, 1909. J. W. Jones and 
family are residents and among the first settlers. Z. L. Parker, an 
early settler, is still there. Ed. Quinn and family are still there, the 
family portrait will be seen on page 180. John Quirk and family 
were earl}' settlers. He died a few N^ears ago. His wife now resides 
in Highmore, also the bo3^s except, Henry, who resides on the home 
place in that township. 

Banner and Eden 

Banner and Eden townships were settled at first principally b}' 
Bohemians and but few of the earl}^ settlers have gone awa}^ Those 
people have been very industrious and are well fixed and are good 
citizens. We would have made more extensive mention as to the 
earh' residents of these townships, but not having the data at hand 
cannot do it, so we speak of them generally as good and desirable 
citizens. 

Spring Lake 

This township was organized Feb. 19, 1885. Duncan Gra}' 
made the first settlement in the township in the spring of 1883, and 
lived there until about a year ago, when he established his residence 
in Highmore. His son, James, still lives in the township and C. A. 
Gray, another son, is in the real estate business at Highmore. 
Duncan Gray's portrait will be seen on page 142, and his wife on 
page 143. Simon Fritzson and his brother, Matthias, were early 
settlers here, mentioned elsewhere in this book. Arthur Lee is an 
early settler still there. He has been a member of the County 
Board and is now County Sheriff. His portrait is on page 289. 
Other early settlers now there are C. Rasmussen and Chris. Ode- 
gaard. Township 116-73 is a part of Spring Lake. 




CHILDREN OF MR. AND MRS. JACOB DE WITTE 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



289 



4 



^^ ^m^^ 



■m^ 







Union 
This township was organized November 11, 1886, on petition of 
S. J. Lewis and others. Its first township officers were Wilham 
Morton, S. J. Lewis and Peter Riggs, Supervisors; W. M. Hunt, 
Clerk; H. A. Miller, Treasurer; Geo, Lockwood, Assessor; E. B. 
Shoff and Fred Risner, Justices of the Peace; Seymour Shoff and 
Fred Risner, Commisioners of Highway; and W. E. Keran and 
Isaac Clements, Constables. Of 
the early settlers there now 
are C. K. Morton, whose family 
portrait will be seen on page 
184. Of the children, James and 
Bessie, are the only ones at home. 
E. B. Shoff is an early settler 
still there, also his son, Seymour. 
Of other early settlers still there 
are Chris Christiansen, Leopold 
Smith, Elsworth Seckner, Albert, 
Rudolph and Fred Risner, Philip 
Zeigler and James Vopat, John 
and August Kozel. Jos. Fore- 
man, an early settler in Eden, 
now lives in Union. 
Peno 

This township was organized, 
but a few years ago. There is a post office and a store in this 
township. Both are in charge of Even Evenson, who settled there 
in 1898. His brother, Oscar, settled there in 1896 and was the first 
postmaster. Thomas Olson succeeded him and Even Evenson 
next. Ole M. Johnson, one of the first settlers, died there a few 
years ago. Of other settlers there are Chris Aaby, Smith Hale and 
Robert Roe. 




4 



ARTHUR LEE 




RESIDENCE OF L. M. HANSON, HIGHMORE. S. D. 



history of hyde county, south dakota 29i 

Pratt 

This township is not organized. It was probably named after 
George Pratt, a present resident of the township. As far as we 
know other residents there are William Campbell, E. W. Smith 
and John E. Westcott. There are probably other residents in the 
township, but the aim of this history is to more particularly men- 
tion the early residents of the County, and in this connection we 
might say that Mrs. William Campbell was an early settler, a 
daughter of John Henfrey, in Chapelle Township. 

Dewey 

This township has been recently organized, and has its first 
election of township officers in the spring of 1909. There are not 
in this township what we call early settlers in the county. Of the 
settlers in the township as far as known to the writer are Nick Dur- 
kin, Thomas Gallagher, Horace Kramer, Wm. Kramer, A. B. Mor- 
gan, C. R. S. Nichols and R. C. Mercer. 

Convent 

This township is only partially settled. Among the settlers are 
Simon Kusser, H. T. Johnson, Emil Olson, Oscar Olson and Patrick 
Noonan. Michael Phelon, a settler there, died about a 3^ear ago. 
His wife and children still reside in the township. 

Other Townships 

Townships 109-72 and 109-93 are still a part of the Government 
Reservation and a part also of 109-71. In township 109-72 is the 
Mission School, which is mentioned on page 151 and following. 
There is a postoffice there named Stephan of which Father Pius is 
postmaster. 




I 



CHAPTER XVI 



CONCLUDING CHAPTER 

In writing- a history there will necessarily be something over- 
looked, something omitted, but the reader must be charitable. In 
this concluding chapter we will endeavor to make mention of some 
matters that should have been in their appropriate places. The 
first deed placed on record in the county was from Thomas F. 
Nicholl and wife to Abram E. Van Camp conveying a portion of 
Section 12-112-72. The first United States final receipt for land on 
record was from the Huron Land Office, Robert Lowry, Receiver; 
to Cynthia Cleveland, Nov. 25, 1882. Other early final receipts 
were to James Barber and one to Charles P. Swanson in March, 
1883. These records were then kept in Pierre as the county was 
unorganized, and were transcribed and made the records of Hyde 
Count}^ in 1885. The first chattel mortgage given was by John 
Zwight to the Brunswick Blake Co. on billiard and pool tables. 
The first bill of sale was from D. M. Gurnea to Martin E. Griswold 
conveying his stock of merchandise and fixtures June 29, 1883. The 
first liquor license was issued to John Zwight for $250. The first 
move against liquor selling was made by A. H. Everhard, Y. T. 
Hatch and Homer James. The first real estate mortgage on record 
was from Cynthia Cleveland to Sharon G. Evans on NE 12-1 12-72. 

Y. T. Hatch was one of the earliest settlers in the county, and 
most of the time was a resident of Highmore. He was in the coal 
and grain business. He was a good business man and strictly hon- 
est. His wife died here in 1907. Their family portrait will be seen 
on page 136. 

On page 194 will be seen the portrait of Frankie Winans, a 
popular young lady, daughter of H. Winans, whose portrait is on 
page 35. Also on page 24 will be seen the portrait of A. D. Win- 
ans, a son of Henderson. He is in the liver}^ business in Highmore 



294 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



and is Sheriff-elect of H3^de Count3\ A daughter, Nettie, is now 
Mrs. Fremont Welch. Her portrait with her two children will be 
seen on page iii. She was elected County Superintendent of 
Schools at the election in 1908 for a term of two years, 

A. N. Van Camp has been previousl}^ mentioned. His wife was 
Miss Kate Allen. They were married at Wilton, Iowa. Mrs. Van 
Camp is well educated and taught school for several years. She 

has alwa3^s been a favorite in 
Highmore, a good wife and 
mother and alwa3^s read}" to re- 
spond in time of sickness and 
trouble. Their family portrait 
will be seen on page 110. 

On page 92 will be seen a pic- 
ture of a gathering at a G. A. 
R. bean dinner. The fellow 
clasping the pole is Robert 
Loucks, an earh" settler who 
came here with his father, Levi, 
mentioned on page 185. 

On page 286 will be seen the 
family group of S. J. Nesheim, a 
resident of William Hamilton 
Township. Four members of the 
famil}" had previously died. This 
portrait would especially commend itself to President Roosevelt on 
account of its respectability of numbers and in other favorable 
aspects, and is a vigorous blow to the heres}" of race suicide. 
Mr. Nesheim is a prosperous farmer in the township mentioned. 

Martin Miller was an early settler in the county, coming here 
in 1883, first in Holabird Township. He married Minnie, daughter 
of Henry Parker, and is now in business in Highmore. His place 
of business will be seen on page 170. 




CHARLES LEMKE 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



295 



On page 249 will be seen the portrait of Max Winegar. Max is 
one of the earl\- settlers in the count}', first at Holabird. now a resi- 
dent of Hig-hmore, where he has a very nice residence. He mar- 
ried Flora, daughter of Dow G. France, and they have a nice 
fami]\\ Max is an honest, industrious fellow and a good citizen. 

Mrs. Christiana Morris is an early settler. Her portrait is on 
page 269. She is quite advanced in years and resides with her 
daughter, Mrs. James Barber. 

The abstract office of F. M. 
Barnes will be noticed on page 
262. Mr. Barnes is an earlv resi- 
dent of Highmore. He is now a 
resident of Minneapolis. He has 
been Auditor of Hyde County, al- 
so has filled the office of States 
Attorney and of County Judge. 
C. H. Gray, a very competent 
stenographer and abstracter, is in 
charge of the office. His por- 
trait appears on page 123. 

On page 246 will be noticed the 
Highmore Roller Mills. This 
building was erected by A. Mc- 
Cullen & Sons. 

A. Derek, his wife and son, 
Harvey, will be seen on page 244. Mr. Derek is in the harness 
business. His residence will be seen on page 272. The bo}', Har- 
vey, a very promising and well behaved lad, died about a year ago. 
On page 242 will be noticed the portraits of our present board 
of County Commissioners. Standing from left to right are Charles 
Olson, John Zemlicka and H. C. Harris: seated Reuben Ellerton 
and \\\ J. Hannah. Mr. Olson is an early resident of the county 
in Franklin Township. Mr. Zemlicka, also an early resident in Eden 




W. H. HENFREY 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



297 



Township, and Mr. Harris one of the earhest settlers, now in the 
drug business at Highmore. Mr. Ellerton is a farmer and an early 
settler in Holabird Township and Mr. Hannah, a later settler in Van 
Order Township. Their countenances indicate that the}^ are good 
substantial citizens and the affairs of the county are well managed. 

On page 238 will be seen the homelike residence of John H. 
Wooley. Mr. Wooley grew to manhood in Hyde County, being a 
son of Wm. C. Wooley, an early resident of William Hamilton 
Township. John H. is a member of the firm of Wooley & Hem- 
mingson, also a member of the real estate 
firm of Cummings & Wooley. He is an 
active, rustling fellow and popular, was 
elected at the last election in 1908 for the 
second term as Representative in the South 
Dakota Legislature. His portrait will be 
seen on page 91. He married a daughter 
of Alexander Robinson. 

On page 66 will be seen the portrait of 
L. M. Hanson, a former resident of Doug- 
las Township, later in the drug business at 
Highmore. He is now Count3' Treasurer, 
and Mayor of the City of Highmore. His 
residence will be seen on page 290. 

On page 67 is the portrait of Frank Drew, at one time in 
charge of the Drew Bros, bank, and who represented this district in 
the State Senate. He now resides in Tomah, Wis. 

The residence of S. Drew is shown on page 40, the Bank of 
Highmore brick building on page 250. 

The portrait of L. W. Carter is on page 270. He came here a 
few years ago, and took charge of the-^ Experimental Station, and 
is now in the employ of the McLaughlin Co. His residence will be 
seen on page 200. 

Page 234 shows the residence of G. D. Mann. This residence 




O. C. COLE 



298 HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 

property is owned by The Atlas Lumber Co., of which Mr. Mann is 
the Highmore manager. 

The Highmore Concert Band, which will be seen on page 288 
is pronounced by all critics to be One of the best in the state. It is 
under the leadership of A. L. Lamos. . _ 

The portrait of H. E. Lawrence, who has a very tony and up- 
to-date barber shop, will be seen on page 223. 

On page 222 is Mr. and Mrs. P. E. Gilligan. Mr. Gilligan was 
principal of our Public Schools several years, but is now in the real 
estate business. 

Jacob Becker, an early resident of Valley Township will be 
noticed on page 218. 

■ H. E. Tagg and family will be found on page 174. Mr. Tagg 
was an early resident in Sully County, but now is proprietor of the 
Hotel in Highmore, which he designated as The Farmers' Friend. 

John T. Blakemore, whose portrait is on page 138, was an 
early resident of Highmore. He was a lawyer and at one time 
Representative to the Legislature. He now resides in Birmingham, 
Oklahoma. 

The portrait of J. E. Van Camp will be seen on page 115 and 
that of his wife on page 225. J. E. is a son of A. N. and is in the 
real estate business in Highmore. 

On page 179 is seen the portrait of the two bright children of 
Mr. and Mrs. H. C. Harris. 

We very much regret that we have not the portrait of an}' 
member of the Quirk family. John Quirk settled inChapelle Town- 
ship at an early dav. He was one of the best of men. He died a 
few years ago; his wife has an elegant home in Highmore, and the 
family is well known and highly respected. ', . 

H. Hemmingson, whose portrait is on page 87,!, .is in active 
charge of the drug store of Wooley & Hemmingson and is a reliable 
druggist. 

The portrait of R. B. Rockwell, our ef^cient Clerk of Courts, 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



299 



will be seen on page 117. 

On page 124 will be seen the McLaughlin Co. and clerks. The 
firm is seated, consisting from 
left to right of Frank Harlan, 
Welcome McLaughlin, and then 
George W., John and Mervin. 
The clerks from left to right are 
L. W. Carter, Frank Volek, H. 
H. Bloomenshine, Wm. Shilling, 
and his sister, Etta, and Mr. 
and Mrs. Freed. The cut shown 
on page 296 is the original claim 
residence of G. W. McLaughlin 
in Sulh' County and shows the 
character of man\' such resi- 
dences in this county at an early 
day, though this is of a superior 
build. 

On page 254 will be seen the 
Sarvis famil\% including Alexan- 
der Robinson and his family. The}^ had a reunion in Highmore in 
1887. Since then the elder Sarvis and his wife have died, also 
William and David. John still resides here. On page 52 will be 
seen his farm residence, and on page 34 his pond with ducks. On 
page 83 is C. W. Trent, formerly of Vermillion, now in the real 
estate business in Highmore. On page 85 is a portrait of Daniel 
Healey, an early resident, now of the Miller Gazette. On page 84 
is L. A. Hendricks, cashier of the Hyde County State Bank. The 
portrait of Charles Lemke is on page 294. He is an early settler, 
and on page 150 will be seen his building being moved from High- 
more to his farm. E. O. Parker, frequently mentioned, will be 
seen on page 132 and that of his wife, now deceased, on page 220. 
On page 224. in the mention of Organ & Kelley, we should have 




JOHN PUSEY 



300 



HISTORY OF HYDE COUNTY, SOUTH DAKOTA 



said that Mr. Organ (not Kelley) is now at Council Bluffs. The 
portrait of Hans Aasby, an earl}^ settler of Loomis, will be seen on 
this page. On page 48 will be seen the portrait of Henry Marso 
and family. Henry was an early resident in this part of the state 
and now resides in Highmore. A daughter married Floyd Pierce of 
The First State Bank of Harrold. G. C. Stoner, on page 20, is an 
early resident, and was formerly of the Herald office. John C. 
Stoner, Jr., on page 30, is in the real estate business at Highmore. 
On page 299 will be noticed the portrait of John Pusey. It is 
placed in the pages of this book because he has attended terms of 
court in this county from its organization, being an early resident 
and lawyer of Miller. Harlo Hall is an early settler in Hyde Coun- 
ty, now a citizen of Highmore, and is one of the best fellows that 
ever lived. This book was printed at The Highmore Herald office 
and bound b)^ Brown & Saenger of Sioux Falls. 




HANS AASBY 



INDEX 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



Aasby, Hans - - 300 

Adair, L T and family - 284 

Artz, Joe _ _ _ 89 

An Automobile Scene - 196 

Bank of Highmore - 250 

Barber, James, Sr. - 90 

Barber , James, Jr - "]"] 

Barber, Mrs. and children 88 

Barnes, F M, residence 10 

Barnes, F M, office - 262 

Bates, Samuel - 131 

Becker, Jacob - 218 

Blakemore, J T - 138 

Boys Born in County - 112 

Burnside, I M Dr - 112 

Buchan, James - 11 

Boehm, Father Pius - 152 

Byerly, C G - 256 

Carter, L W - 270 

Carter, L W, residence - 200 

Case, C E - - 145 
Campbell, J E, and wife - 78 

Cattle Round Up - 50 

Cadwalader, D L - 22 

Catholic Church - 98 

Congregational Church - 100 

Christian Church - 99 

Comstock, G W, and wife 176 

County Commissioners - 242 

Cole, O C - - 297 

Cramer, HA, and wife - 252 

Court House, present - ']6 

Court House, old - 74 

Cunningham, M C - 57 

Derek, A, family - 244 

Derek, A, residence - 272 



DeWitte, Jacob and family 274 
DeWitte, Jacob, children of 288 



Drew, S, residence 

Drew, Frank 

Experiment Station 

Exhibit, Hyde Co 

Faculty High School 

Farmers' Friend Hotel 

Foote, B A 

Foote, B A, residence 

Fox Rev Father 

Fritzson, Simon 

Gaffy L E 

Gadd Jasper 

Graham, Arthur 

Graham, Mrs. A 

Gray, C H 

Gray, Duncan 

Gray, Mrs D 

Gray, C A, residance 

Group of Old Settlers 

Gilligan, P E, and wife 

Graduates High School 

Hanson, L M 

Hanson, L M, residence 

Hager, Rev C E 

Harris, H C, and family - 

Harris, Donald and Sumner 

Harris-McDonaid building 

Hatch, Y T, and family - 

Healey, Daniel 

Hemmingson, H 

Hendricks, LA 

Harris, J S 

Hamlin, W B, residence - 

Hamlin, W B, family 



40 

67 

202-204 

28 

172 

31 

27 
,26 
119 
245 
54 
121 
227 
229 

123 
142 

143 

186 

292 

- 222 

106 

66 

290 

102 

114 

178 

260 

136 

85 

87 

84 

71 

168 

80 



[906 



Harness Shop, A. Derek - 230 

Hentrey, John and wife - 134 

Henfrey, W H - 295 
Highmore's First School 

House - - 104 
Highmore's Present School 

House ' - 108 
Highmore Street Scenes 

198-226-233-256 

Highmore Band - 228 

Highmore Roller Mills - 246 

Highmore City Hall - 236 

Highmore Herald Office - 266 

Hirsch, Geo and wife - 23 

Hirsch, Emma and Mary 68 

Hollander, J E - 69 

Humphrey, J L - 253 

Hyde, James - - 5 

Johnson, Eli - - 59 

Johnson, R C - - 70 

Johnson, Mrs P E - 94 

Kippenbrock, O C . 82 

King, OP--- 278 

Lawrence, HE - - 223 

Lawson, Wm O - 216 

Lemke, Charles - - 294 

Lee, Arthur - - 289 

Lemke, Charles, house - iso 

Little, Wm L - 235 

Eighty, S J - - 261 

Eighty, Mrs S J - 259 

Eighty, SJ, children - 248 

Eoomis, Wm, and family - 282 

Mann, G D, residence - 234 

McDonald, Duncan and fam, 189 

McDonald, Mrs J E - 217 

McDonald, Duncan and wife 133 

McDonald, W D and wife - 128 

McEaughlin Co. and clerks 124 

McEaughlin, G W - 63 

Mattingly, Father Ambrose 153 

Merchants Hotel - 182 

Methodist Church - 96 

Marso, Henry and family - 48 

Meigs, S. R. - 62 

Meigs, S R and family - 116 

Meiffs, S R, residence - 61 

Meigs, Church - 125 



McGlinchy House - - 14 

McGlinchy, Hugh, prize cup 267 

Mission School - - 151 

Miller, M E, Feed Store - 170 

Morris, EM - 60 

Morris, Mrs. Christiana . 269 

Moore, David - 72 

Moss, Stephen, and family 42 

Morton, C K, and family - 184 

Musser, E C, residence - 269 

Nesheim, S J, and family 286 

Noel, C E - - 93 

Newell, John and family - 206 

O'Brien, M Harry - 58 
Perkins, J B . .1 

Perkins, DAW - 12 

Pilkington, J H - . - 25 

Pusey, John - - 299 

Parker, E O - - 132 

Parker, Mrs E O - 220 

Patterson, Miss Julia - 237 

Patterson, Joseph - 247 

Patterson, Seth . 243 

Patterson, Mrs Mary A - 251 

Quinn, E J and family - 180 

Rockwell, R B - 117 

Rider, Edward and wife 122 

Rolewich, Louis - 208 

Rolewich, Mrs Louis - 209 

Sarvis, John, farm scene 34 

Sarvis, John, farm residence 52 

Sarvis family - 254 

Smith, Del - - 215 

Smith, J H, and family - 214 

Smith, Mrs J R - 213 

Smith, J R - - 212 

Smith, Charles - 86 

Smith, Mrs Ella - 231 

Shonley, Sister - 154 

Sheen, Charles - 130 

Shoup, Matt - 1,39 

Shober. H C - . 13 

Stout, G A - 255 

Stoner, J C, Sr - 14 

Stoner, G C - 20 

Stoner, J C, Jr - 30 

Stoner, H H, farm . 36 

Sturr, Peter . 219 



Tagg, H E, and family . 174 

Th(Hnpson, W L, and family 140 

Traver, S C . 18 

Traver, Mrs S C . 19 

Tibbs, E, and family . 38 
Trent. C W . .83 

Van Camp, A N, and family no 

Van Camp, A N, office . 259 

Van Camp, Mrs J E . 225 

Van Camp, A E . 9 

Van Camp, J E . 115 

Van Camp, W N . 107 

Van Camp, A N, his cow 263 

Van Etten, Capt, and wife 144 

Van Etten, Mrs O R . 146 

Volz. E M, and family , 182 

\^olek, James, residence . 268 

Wallis, Rev H K . 224 

Watson, Rev J . 103 

Welch. Mrs N and children tit 



Welch, D O and wife . 141 

Welch, Fremont . 147 

Wakey, Philip, residence 269 

Winans, H . 35 

Winans, Miss Fran^ie , 194 

Winans, AD . 24 

Winans, A D, livery barn 190 

Winesj^ar, Max , . 249 

Whitcher, L E . 55 

Whitcher, L E, residence 56 

Whitcher Sign , 233 

Whitcher. O L . 33 

Whitcher, Mrs O L . 65 

Whipple, J E. and family 148 

Wooley, J H . 91 

Wooley, J H, residence 238 

Wooley, Wm C. and wife 120 

Yeandle, Wm, shop . 46 

Yeandle, Arthur . 109 



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